Oscar Wilde is a master of sophisticated comedy, and The Importance of Being Earnest is his masterpiece. But like all the composers of classics, Wilde injected timeless messages into his plays. Although Earnest was written near the end of the nineteenth century, what it says is still valid. That is, a person's name and heritage mean little; it's what he makes of himself that counts.

Wilde wraps up his message into a delightful package: Two charming young ladies—sophisticated Gwendolen from the city and naive Cecily from the country—are in love with Earnest Worthing. But there is no such person as Earnest Worthing. Gwendolen thinks Jack is Earnest, and Cecily thinks Algy is Earnest. And each girl swears that she could never love a man who wasn't named Earnest. In the midst of all this confusion comes Lady Bracknell, who doesn't like the idea of anybody's loving anybody. It sounds like a big mess. But Oscar Wilde unwinds this knotty affair into one of the favorite comedies of English literature.

The two sets needed for this play have been the downfall of other one-act versions. A consistant contest winner, this adaptation combines the three acts into one and provides for the necessary set change without a break in the action. The Director's Script gives detailed instructions for the set change and contains full directions for all movement and business necessary to stage an outstanding production. Set in Victorian England in the 1890's.

"We will be performing your cutting of 'The Importance of Being Earnest' in State Competition of the Kentucky High School Speech League. Thank you for providing such excellent materials."—Gary J. Epplen, Scott High School, Covington, Ky. "Three years ago I had success with your delightful cutting of 'The Importance of Being Earnest.' It is now my responsibility to choose another one-act play and naturally, I thought of you."—Lansdale, Pa. "May I say that your most excellent version of 'The Importance of Being Earnest' was well received by all concerned."—Castro Valley, Calif. "We think your cutting of this play is terrific!" —Suzanne Ratchford, Burton, Tex., High School.

Other Clark adaptations: As You Like It, The Barber of Seville, Cain: a Mystery, Cyrano de Bergerac, Doctor in Spite of Himself, Gondoliers, Macbeth, Marriage of Figaro, The Pot Boiler, School for Husbands, She Stoops to Conquer