Lady Windermere's Fan is a comedy by Oscar Wilde, first performed at the St James's Theatre in London in February 1892. Lady Windermere suspects her husband of an affair with the mysterious Mrs Erlynne, unaware of the secret that binds them. Wilde's first great stage success mixes sparkling wit with real emotion.
The story
On her birthday, Lady Windermere learns that her husband has been giving money to Mrs Erlynne, a woman with a dubious reputation, and that he has invited her to her ball.
Hurt, she decides to leave her husband for Lord Darlington. Mrs Erlynne follows her to save her from ruin, at the risk of her own reputation.
Wit and morality
The play is full of epigrams, especially from Lord Darlington and the cynical Cecil Graham, which mock the hypocrisy of high society.
Behind the comedy, Wilde questions the rigid division between good and bad women.
Its success
The play was a triumph and launched Wilde's career as a playwright. It was followed by A Woman of No Importance, An Ideal Husband and The Importance of Being Earnest.
Its subtitle, A Play About a Good Woman, points ironically to the question the comedy asks.
Anecdotes
A curtain speech
At the first night, Wilde came on stage to thank the audience while smoking a cigarette, which shocked some critics.
The secret
Wilde first wanted to keep Mrs Erlynne's secret until the last act, but at the suggestion of the actor-manager George Alexander he revealed it to the audience earlier.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Mrs Erlynne?
A mysterious woman with a secret connection to Lady Windermere.
When was the play first performed?
In February 1892.
What is its subtitle?
A Play About a Good Woman.