One of the most notable and important figures in gay history is the poet and playwright Oscar Wilde. Also known for his criminal conviction for homosexuality, this significant part of his story is being told through the Australian Ballet’s new production, Oscar.
Created and choreographed by Christopher Wheeldon (An American in Paris), the show tells Wilde’s story through the incorporation and interpretation of his works The Nightingale and the Rose and The Picture of Dorian Gray.
Callum Linnane as Oscar Wilde
In the role of Oscar Wilde, Callum Linnane brings a unique and emotional perspective through his dance.
“In terms of bringing the spirit of Oscar Wilde into the dance, that credit has to go to our choreographer Christopher Wheeldon,” says Linnane.
“He created a movement vocabulary that felt very true to Oscar, so I went along for the ride and built on that as much as possible. Once performing, I rely a lot on instinct. I do research and exploration throughout the process and see what works, but when it’s curtain-up all thinking goes out the window and it becomes about instinct. It’s about just being in that moment as Oscar Wilde.”
“Oscar’s story reminds me of how lucky I am to exist in a time where I can be queer.”
The creative team includes composer Joby Talbot and set designer Jean-Marc Puissant, who also provided the costumes. Given the sets, which include a courtroom and jail cell and the evocative feeling created in the lighting, there is great creativity behind this production. Then of course there is the ballet itself.
“This creative process has been one of, if not the most enjoyable of my career,” says Linnane.
Callum Linnane as Oscar, and Benjamin Garrett as Bosie, in Wilde
“There was a wonderful energy in the studio throughout the creation of this production, so it was a joy to come in each day. The only challenge was when Oscar descends into a sort of madness in prison. That took a lot out of me mentally and emotionally. But I also find that element of portraying a character quite addictive. There’s a huge amount of enjoyment in that. I worked with our intimacy coordinator Amy Cater on developing skills to ‘de-role’ after a performance and take me out of that mental space.”
In the role of Wilde’s lover Lord Alfred Douglas or better known as Bosie, Benjamin Garrett also unites the magic of dance alongside Linnane. It is a first, as it unashamedly presents homosexual love through ballet, even involving a passionate kiss.
“It is sad, even tragic, that Wilde never knew of his legacy.”
“Playing Bosie is artistically stimulating to me because I get to play a character that is a beautiful and sensitive poet, but also a manipulative and selfish brat,” says Garrett.
“The challenge with that is jumping between the extremes of emotion that Bosie’s character feels. One moment I’m in a loving embrace with Oscar, and the next angry and throwing a tantrum. It can be difficult to find an honest and authentic way to play each of these emotions in such quick succession.”
Callum Linnane as Oscar Wilde
Wilde’s two written works (The Nightingale and the Rose and The Picture of Dorian Gray) are featured cleverly, bringing to life not only the man’s formidable journey but also the surrounding characters.
“I think of Bosie as an embodiment of a romanticised ideal Oscar both idolised and warned of in his work,” says Garrett.
“Bosie is as romantic, sensitive, and youthfully naive as The Student at the beginning of The Nightingale and the Rose, but he is also as selfish, brash and manipulative as Dorian Gray at the end of The Picture of Dorian Gray. He is both Oscar’s great love and his downfall.”
It is sad, even tragic, that Wilde never knew of his legacy, but it is no doubt one felt by the production’s audience, and cast.
“It becomes about instinct. It’s about just being in that moment as Oscar Wilde.”
“Oscar’s story reminds me of how lucky I am to exist in a time where I can be queer and accepted,” says Garrett.
Callum Linnane as Oscar, and Benjamin Garrett as Bosie, in Wilde
“If Oscar Wilde had been able to exist within a time and society that didn’t shun and punish him for being true to his heart, his story would have been a lot less tragic and short. We would perhaps even have more beautiful art created by him.”
“He’s an inspiring figure,” agrees Linnane.
“He lived a life that was true to him, in a time where he was up against it. That level of authenticity is inspiring. He lived for love and Art, and I think that’s beautiful.”
Oscar is playing at the Sydney Opera House, Joan Sutherland Theatre
For more: australianballet.com.au
Callum Linnane as Oscar Wilde
