About this event:
The University of Johannesburg (UJ) Arts & Culture, a division of the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture (FADA), is thrilled to present ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’, a fresh adaptation of Oscar Wilde's timeless classic by Neil Bartlett. Directed by UJ Resident Director Jade Bowers, this captivating production will immerse audiences in a world where reality collides with morality. The performances will run from 4 to 16 March 2025 at the Keorapetse William Kgositsile Theatre at the UJ Arts Centre in Auckland Park, Johannesburg.

This production was created as part of the Faculty of Art, Design and Architecture’s (FADA) Interdisciplinary Theatre Programme, which was initiated by FADA Dean, Professor Federico Freschi in 2017. The programme challenges second-year students across the faculty to collaborate on designing the set, props, and costumes, for a production produced by the University’s division of Arts & Culture.

‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ tells the story of a young man cursed with eternal youth and beauty as he spirals into a life of moral decay and reckless indulgence. Oscar Wilde’s timeless tale, renowned for its glittering dialogue and bold exploration of sexual and moral freedoms, is reimagined in this adaptation by Neil Bartlett.

"This adaptation of ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ explores the boundaries of both the original text and our own perceptions of beauty, desire, and morality. By collaborating with FADA’s talented students, we’ve created a visually striking and thought-provoking experience that brings Wilde’s dark parable into a contemporary context,” says Resident Director of UJ Arts & Culture, Jade Bowers.

This production promises to immerse viewers in a world of eternal youth and moral decay, featuring stunning set designs, intricate costumes, and thought-provoking visuals Actors featured in this production include Jaques De Silva, Andreas Damm, Sanelisiwe Yekani, and Liezl De Kock. The ensemble will be joined by the Windybrow Theatre’s 2025 Kwasha Company.

With a fresh adaptation by Neil Bartlett and the creative input of FADA’s talented second-year students, expect a visually compelling and emotionally charged experience that challenges perceptions of beauty, desire, and morality. Prepare for a theatrical event that will leave a lasting impression and provoke deep reflection.

Experience the mesmerizing beauty of ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ at the UJ Arts Centre from 4 to 16 March 2025.

About UJ Arts & Culture

UJ Arts & Culture, a division of the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture (FADA) produces and presents world-class student and professional arts programmes aligned to the UJ vision of an international university of choice, anchored in Africa, dynamically shaping the future. A robust range of arts platforms are offered on all four UJ campuses for students, staff, alumni, and the general public to experience and engage with emerging and established Pan-African and international artists drawn from the full spectrum of the arts.