STEPHEN Fry is to give the University of Reading’s inaugural Town Hall Lecture this summer in honour of poet and playwright Oscar Wilde.
Fry, who is known as one of Wilde’s most devoted contemporary fans, is Honorary Patron of the Oscar Wilde Society, which is partnering with the University to bring this lecture to the Reading community.
Wilde’s connection to Reading was made famous by his incarceration in the town’s prison after being convicted of homosexual acts.
His epic poem The Ballad of Reading Gaol was inspired by his experiences and reflected the brutality of the Victorian prison system.
Following his release from prison in 1897, Wilde campaigned against the imprisonment of children and those with mental illnesses.
Recent research from the University of Reading revealed new insights into Wilde’s fellow inmates during his incarceration in Reading prison.
This lecture will honour Wilde and his writing, as well as his work for civil and human rights.
The lecture will take place at Reading Town Hall on Thursday, June 4 at 8pm.
Tickets, which cost £15, £12.50 concessions, go on sale on March 20 at 10am online at readingarts.com.
Contact the box office on 0118 960 6060 for further information.
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