Advertise on podcast: Oscar Wilde, The Picture of Dorian Gray (dramatic reading)

Description

The novel tells of a young man named Dorian Gray, the subject of a painting by artist Basil Hallward. Basil is impressed by Dorian's beauty and becomes infatuated with him, believing his beauty is responsible for a new mode in his art. Dorian meets Lord Henry Wotton, a friend of Basil's, and becomes enthralled by Lord Henry's world view. Espousing a new hedonism, Lord Henry suggests the only things worth pursuing in life are beauty and fulfillment of the senses. Realizing that one day his beauty will fade, Dorian expresses his desire to sell his soul to ensure the portrait Basil has painted would age rather than himself. Dorian's wish is fulfilled, plunging him into debauched acts. The portrait serves as a reminder of the effect each act has upon his soul, with each sin displayed as a disfigurement of his form, or through a sign of aging. This reading uses the 20-chapter 1891 version of Wilde's novel. (Summary by Wikipedia) Cast: NARRATOR - Martin Geeson Lord Henry Wotton - David Goldfarb Dorian Gray - Volunteer Basil Hallward - Anthony Sibyl Vane - Miss Avarice James Vane - David Lawrence Duchess of Monmouth - Availle Victor - Martin Geeson Francis - Simon Pride Cab Driver - Simon Pride Parker - Elizabeth Klett Lord Fermor - Anthony Lady Agatha - Sarah Duchess of Harley - Hannah Harris Sir Thomas Burdon - Terence Taylor Mr. Erskine - Frank Booker Mrs. Vandeleur - Mary-Beth Blackburn Lady Henry - Susanna Mrs. Vane - Arielle Lipshaw Mrs. Leaf - Rebeka Harris Mr. Hubbard - Frank Booker Alan Campbell - Ernst Pattynama Lady Narborough - Elizabeth Klett Lady Ruxton - Mary-Beth Blackburn Adrian Singleton - Joseph Lawler Woman - Lucy Perry Sir Geoffrey Clouston - Mark F. Smith Gamekeeper - Martin Geeson Gardener- Joseph Lawler Young Man - Elizabeth Klett Old Gentleman - Mark F. Smith Constable - Joseph Lawler Audio edited by Arielle Lipshaw