A one-man show on love and values

It has been called the greatest love letter ever written. However, Oscar Wilde’s De Profundis breaks the standard conventions of a letter.

“De Profundis is really great literary work,” said Julie Rose, special programs coordinator for the College of Visual and Performing Arts.

De Profundis is a theatrical representation of Wilde’s letter to his love, Lord

Alfred Douglas (also known as Bosie). When Bosie’s father, an aristocrat, discovered the affair between his son and Wilde, he took Wilde to court and sent him to jail for two years. Wilde wrote the letter during the final months of his prison sentence because he felt betrayed by his lover.

In the letter, Wilde recalls what led him to prison, broke his heart and ruined his life. He also gives his opinion on human nature, friendship, hate, art, freedom and values.

British Actor Corin Redgrave will perform as Wilde in a one-man show today at 7 p.m. in Theatre 2 at the USF College of Visual and Performing Arts. Redgrave is a member of what Rose describes as one of the most “distinguished families in theater and film.”

“Mr. Redgrave is an amazing actor,” Rose said.

From Redgrave’s first stage appearance in the Royal Court in 1961, as Lysander in A Midsummer Night’s Dream to his current role in the PBS drama The Forsyte Saga, Redgrave has accomplished much during the five decades he’s spent on the stage, in film and on television. Redgrave began acting in movies in 1964.

The PBS mini-series was nominated for the British National Television Award’s Best Drama 2002.

In 1998, Redgrave played Boss Whalen in Tennessee Williams’ play Not About Nightingales with the Royal National Theatre, and later took the play to Broadway and he was nominated for a Tony award, among others.

Redgrave also played several Shakespearean characters when he joined the Royal Shakespeare Company in 1972 for a season. He performed as Octavius in Julius Caesar and Antony and Cleopatra, and as Antipholus of Ephesus in The Comedy of Errors.

Some may even recognize Redgrave from his part as Andie MacDowell’s husband in Four Weddings and a Funeral. In 1993, Redgrave and members of his family founded The Moving Theatre Company.

“It’s a great way to get out and experience culture,” Rose said.Tonight’s performance is open to the public for free but tickets are required.

For more information call 974-2323.