DeKALB – Pressure to achieve perfection, political blackmail and forgiveness are all aspects of life explored in Oscar Wilde’s “An Ideal Husband,” the second theater production of the Northern Illinois University’s School of Theatre and Dance 2012-13 season.

The play examines the personal and public lives of London’s late 1800s social elite. The action takes place in a 24-hour period, beginning with a dinner party hosted by Sir Robert Chiltern.

When a female guest tries to blackmail Sir Robert, dirty details of the characters’ relationships come to light.