In January, 1882, Irish poet Oscar Wilde, 27, visited his literary hero, Walt Whitman, 62, in Philadelphia. Little is known about what transpired, but in the two-hander “Wilde about Whitman,” David Simpatico delivers a dramatic answer. Over two acts, Simpatico’s vividly drawn poets tango in a dance of desire and rage. At stake is Whitman’s legacy: will he accede to demands he cut twenty-five erotic poems from Leaves of Grass to prevent its being banned? With witty repartee, double entendre, and haunting recollections about the Civil War, the play swings through a gamut of emotions. A gem...
In January, 1882, Irish poet Oscar Wilde, 27, visited his literary hero, Walt Whitman, 62, in Philadelphia. Little is known about what transpired, but in the two-hander “Wilde about Whitman,” David Simpatico delivers a dramatic answer. Over two acts, Simpatico’s vividly drawn poets tango in a dance of desire and rage. At stake is Whitman’s legacy: will he accede to demands he cut twenty-five erotic poems from Leaves of Grass to prevent its being banned? With witty repartee, double entendre, and haunting recollections about the Civil War, the play swings through a gamut of emotions. A gem. Highly recommended.