Being earnest is as important as being Ernest. And being Ernest is important because that name attracted English ladies in the 19th century. The name Ernest sounds like the English word "earnest" - "serious", "honest", and these qualities in men were highly valued by Victorian English ladies. Thus, two desperate young men decide to call themselves Ernests and embark on all sorts of mischief just to win the attention of their beloveds. How this seemingly innocent game will end will be revealed in Anatoly Shulyev's play based on Oscar Wilde's work. See more plays on our website in the theatre section.