The Judas Kiss 7:30-10pm Thurs-Fri-Sat, Aug 24-25-26/23 at Iao Theater
Maui OnStage presents... The Judas Kiss
Directed by David Belew
7:30-10pm Thurs-Fri-Sat, Aug 24-25-26
3-5:30pm Sunday, Aug 27
A compelling depiction of Irish author and playwright Oscar Wilde (The Importance of Being Earnest) just before and after his imprisonment for “gross indecency” with men.
Act One captures him in 1895 on the eve of his arrest. Oscar Wilde's career had reached its pinnacle of success. His greatest work, The Importance of Being Earnest, was a sensation in the West End, and he was celebrated across London. He still has a chance to flee to the continent but chooses to let the train leave without him.
In Act Two, penniless and in exile, Wilde is in Naples more than two years later, after his release from the prison Reading Gaol in Berkshire, England. He is drawn to a reunion with his unworthy lover and a final betrayal.
This is a captivating portrait of Oscar Wilde and his willingness to give up his life for an undeserving love.
“Intriguing... What Hare has done here is not to write a narrative but to offer a portrait of Oscar at the end of his once glittering tether.... The dialogue is urbane, stylish, and frequently imbued with Oscar like flashes of humor and purplish poetic resonance. But the main thrust is for character and situation: a mood portrait of a fall from grace.” – New York Post
“A moving evocation of the human spirit.” – New York Daily News
“Shifts the heroic focus, emphasizing Wilde less as a martyr of sexual persuasion than as a martyr of love. That the object of Wilde’s love is so clearly unworthy of it only makes the sacrifice more noble.” – The New York Times
*CONTENT WARNING: Strong adult/sexual situations and nudity. NOT recommended for under 18.
Date: Thursday, August 24th, 2023 to Saturday, August 26th, 2023
Time: 7:30 pm to 10:00 pm
Cost: $25-$35
Categories: Performing Arts / Plays
Historic Iao Theater located at 68 N Market St, Wailuku, HI 96793 in Central Maui
Phone: 808-242-6969 Email: boxoffice@mauionstage.com, mauionstage.info@gmail.com Website: https://www.mauionstage.com
The Historic Iao Theater, built in 1928 in Wailuku, is a beloved Maui landmark and one of Hawaii's oldest theaters, renowned for its Spanish-Mission Revival architecture and rich cultural legacy. Originally designed as both a movie house and live performance venue, the Iao has hosted everything from Hollywood premieres to legendary USO shows with stars like Frank Sinatra and Bob Hope. Despite periods of decline and near closure, the Iao’s enduring presence-now listed on both the Hawaii and National Registers of Historic Places-reflects its importance as a gathering place for entertainment and community on Maui.
For Maui OnStage, the Iao Theater is more than just a venue; it is the heart of their mission to provide accessible, high-quality performing arts experiences for the island. After a devastating fire destroyed their previous home, Maui OnStage (formerly Maui Community Theater) found new life in the Iao, helping to restore and revitalize the historic space. Today, the Iao Theater stands as a vibrant hub for creativity, self-expression, and cultural enrichment, serving as a cornerstone for Maui's artistic community and a cherished symbol of resilience and aloha.
Contact: Maui OnStage Phone: 808-242-6969
Email: Website: https://www.mauionstage.com/
