UJ’s adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray delves into beauty, desire, and morality

Mark your calendars for high end production running from 4 to 16 March 2025, at the UJ Arts Centre.

The University of Johannesburg (UJ) Arts & Culture is set to enchant audiences with its innovative production of Oscar Wilde’s classic, The Picture of Dorian Gray. Directed by UJ’s esteemed Resident Director, Jade Bowers, this fresh adaptation by Neil Bartlett promises to immerse theatre-goers in a narrative where reality intertwines with morality, challenging perceptions of beauty and desire. The performances are scheduled from 4 to 16 March 2025, taking place at the Keorapetse William Kgositsile Theatre in the vibrant UJ Arts Centre, Auckland Park, Johannesburg.

Emerging from the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture’s (FADA) trailblazing Interdisciplinary Theatre Programme, conceived by Dean Professor Federico Freschi in 2017, this production has become a hallmark of collaborative creativity. Second-year students from FADA have banded together to create a visually stunning experience, taking charge of the production’s sets, props, and costumes, all designed to transport audiences into the heart of Wilde’s dark narrative.

The gripping story follows the life of a young man endowed with eternal youth, whose pursuit of pleasure spirals into moral decay. Neil Bartlett’s adaptation brilliantly excavates the provocative core of the original work, showcasing lively dialogue and a bold exploration of sexual and moral freedoms. By reimagining Dorian Gray’s descent into dissolution through a contemporary lens, the production promises to resonate deeply with a modern audience.

As Jade Bowers articulates, “This adaptation of The Picture of Dorian Gray explores the boundaries of both the original text and our own perceptions of beauty, desire, and morality. By collaborating with FADA’s talented students, we’ve created a visually striking and thought-provoking experience that brings Wilde’s dark parable into a contemporary context.”

The cast features a vibrant ensemble, including Jaques De Silva, Andreas Damm, Sanelisiwe Yekani, and Liezl De Kock, comprising students from the UJ Arts Academy, alongside members from the Market Theatre Foundation’s Kwasha! Theatre Company. This diverse collaboration enriches the production’s tapestry, ensuring a multifaceted portrayal of Wilde’s narrative.

Inclusivity is at the forefront of UJ’s efforts to engender meaningful societal progress within the arts. Acknowledging the importance of access, two performances will be dedicated to hearing-impaired audiences, with South African Sign Language (SASL) interpretation provided by trained interpreters from Yellow Owl. This thoughtful initiative aims to foster agency and engagement for audiences often excluded from such cultural experiences.

Tickets for this not-to-be-missed production are now available, offering a thoughtfully crafted experience that lingers long after the final curtain falls. General access tickets are priced at R120, while students can enjoy the show for just R80.

Experience a visually compelling and emotionally charged journey that questions the very essence of beauty, desire, and morality.