Play script adapted by Helen P. Avery from Oscar Wilde's whimsical, shivery and moving story about a Ghost who is tired of haunting. One set. Period costumes. Cast of 5 F, 5 M, 2 children. A Sixteenth-Century Ghost, Sir Simon, haunts his family mansion, periodically terrifying its inhabitants. Around 1900 the house is sold to an American businessman and his family who refuse to be scared by strange apparitions. Mr. and Mrs. Otis offer the Ghost oil for his chains and medicine for indigestion, and the children pester him with mischievous pranks. Only Virginia, the courageous older daughter attempts to understand the Ghost's problems. After Sir Simon helps her rescue from some thieving gypsies, Virginia is able to assist him in finding rest at last.
Author
Oscar Fingal O'Flahertie Wills Wilde was an Irish playwright, poet, and author of numerous short stories, and one novel. Known for his biting wit, and a plentitude of aphorisms, he became one of the most successful playwrights of the late Victorian era in London, and one of the greatest celebrities of his day. Several of his plays continue to be widely performed, especially The Importance of Being Earnest. As the result of a widely covered series of trials, Wilde suffered a dramatic downfall and was imprisoned for two years hard labour after being convicted of "gross indecency" with other men. After Wilde was released from prison he set sail for Dieppe by the night ferry. He never returned to Ireland or Britain, and died in poverty.
