The Josephine Hart Poetry Hour: Oscar Wilde ‘The Ballad of Reading Gaol’ and other poems.
In 1895 Irish playright, novelist, and poet Oscar Wilde (1854–1900) – at the height of his success – was tried and found guilty of homosexual acts and sentenced to two years’ hard labour. His health never recovered, and he died two years after his release in exile and penury in Paris, aged just 46.
Whilst living in France ‘The Ballad’ – a powerful and passionate plea against capital punishment and a call for penal reform – was published as written by C 3.3, Wilde’s cell number. The print run of 4,000 sold out in days. The last edition in his lifetime bore his name – his publisher Smithers having said, “I think the time has now come when you should own ‘The Ballad’, Oscar.”
With celebrated actors Simon Callow and Sophie Ward. Wilde’s only grandson, author Merlin Holland, opened the event with a foreword by video link from his home in France.
22 February 2022 7:00 pm
The British Library Theatre
96 Euston Rd, London, NW1 2DB