Yo Y La Musica

igida por Kurt Baker.

et’s set the scene: Lane, Algernon’s servant, is arranging tea on the table in his luxurious morning-room. We hear the sound of piano music in the next room. After it falls silent, Algernon enters.

Algernon checks that Lane has ordered the cucumber sandwiches for Lady Bracknell. When Lane hands them to him, Algernon takes some and flops down on the sofa. They talk about drinking and married life.

Finishing his duties, Lane leaves the room.

To himself, Algernon remarks that Lane's view about marriage are "lazy."

Algernon comments he thinks it should be the job of the "lower classes" (I.17) to demonstrate good behavior for everyone else.

His thoughts are interrupted by Lane, who announces the arrival of Mr. Ernest Worthing.

The two friends discuss where Ernest has been and what activities he's been up to.

Ernest claims he was in the country.

Doubtful about that, Algy tests Ernest – asking if he was in Shropshire. Ernest seems confused, then stutters yes, he was in Shropshire. Uncomfortable, Ernest quickly changes the subject.

Algernon reveals that Aunt Augusta and Gwendolen are coming for tea, but that Aunt Augusta won’t be happy that Ernest is here because he flirts disgracefully with Gwendolen.

Ernest protests that he’s in love with Gwendolen and has come to town specifically to propose to her.

Algernon is startled. "I thought you’d come up for pleasures?...I call that business" (I.37).

Algy kindly comments that he doesn’t think Ernest will ever marry Gwendolen.

When Ernest asks why not, Algy replies that girls never marry the men they flirt with. Plus, Algy says he doesn't give his consent – Gwen is his first cousin.

Algernon follows up: Ernest still hasn't explained the Cecily situation to him.

Ernest claims that he doesn't know of any Cecily.

Algernon is perplexed, and decides to pull out his secret weapon; he summons Lane to get the cigarette case Ernest left on his last visit.

Now Ernest has some explaining to do.

There’s an inscription inside the cigarette case that says: "From little Cecily with her fondest love to her dear Uncle Jack" (I.68).

Algernon plays with Ernest, asking him pointed questions about this mysterious Cecily while Ernest chases him around the room, grabbing for his cigarette case.

Ernest tries to get out of his sticky situation by claiming Cecily his aunt and a short woman, which would explain the "little" part. (Actually Jack offers a witty reply that you should definitely check out in the play.)

In the end, the truth is revealed.

Ernest’s name is not really Ernest. It’s Jack. Actually, he explains: it’s "Ernest" in town and "Jack" in the country. Algernon thinks this reply makes total

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