Mrs. Arbuthnot delivers a powerful defense of her life and her devotion to her son, Gerald. She explains the immense sacrifices she made as an unwed mother in a judgmental society, pleading with him to understand that her 'sin' is inseparable from her love for him.
MRS. ARBUTHNOT: Men don’t understand what mothers are. I am no different from other women except in the wrong done me and the wrong I did, and my very heavy punishments and great disgrace. And yet, to bear you I had to look on death. To nurture you I had to wrestle with it. Death fought with me for
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Director's Notes
Oscar Wilde's "A Woman of No Importance" audition scene: Mrs. Arbuthnot's heartbreaking monologue. A passionate, desperate plea defending her life and love for her son. Perfect for drama actors seeking classical period audition material.
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