Showing results for "George Bernard Shaw" in Arts & Entertainment

This podcast delves into the intriguing friendship and intellectual sparring between George Bernard Shaw and G.K. Chesterton. Despite their contrasting beliefs, the two maintained a mutual respect and fascination for each others ideas. The podcast explores how Shaw, a prominent figure in the emerging school of thought known as humanism, championed progress for its own sake, even if it meant redefining the nature of humanity. Chesterton, in contrast, was more inclined towards religious thought, with his views leaning more and more towards the Church. This podcast offers a fascinating insight ...

George Bernard Shaw's warm and witty play continues to challenge conventional wisdom about male/female relationships. Candida concerns a beautiful married woman's choice between the two men who love her.

Pygmalion (1913) is a captivating play by George Bernard Shaw, inspired by the timeless Greek myth. It follows the transformative journey of Eliza Doolittle, a Cockney flower girl, as she becomes the subject of an audacious bet made by phonetics professor Henry Higgins. With the help of Colonel Pickering, Higgins is determined to refine Elizas speech and manners, aiming to pass her off as a lady of high society. As their relationship deepens, Eliza finds herself at a crossroads, ultimately choosing to reject Higginss controlling nature in favor of her own independence and love for Freddy ...

Mrs. Warrens Profession, a provocative play by George Bernard Shaw, first graced the London stage in 1902, only to be quickly banned after two performances due to its controversial themes. The story revolves around a former prostitute turned madam who grapples with her estranged daughter’s disapproval. Shaw compellingly argues that prostitution stems not from moral failings but from economic necessity, while also critiquing the hypocrisy of a society that profits from illicit trades yet condemns them. This tension between societal values and personal choices made the play a target for ...

Dive into the intriguing world of The Admirable Bashville, a thought-provoking exploration of copyright law as it applies to the stage and literature. In this satirical work by George Bernard Shaw, we witness how the current copyright system allows anyone to claim stage rights to a novel, regardless of its merit. Shaw, a passionate Socialist, critiques this system, suggesting that while he supports limited property rights, he finds it outrageous that someone could secure ownership over an authors work. This engaging narrative raises vital questions about authorship, property, and the rights of...

Dive into the dramatic depths of Don Juan in Hell, an excerpt from George Bernard Shaw‚s Man and Superman. Often presented as a standalone piece, this captivating scene brings together iconic characters from Mozart‚s Don Giovanni‚Don Juan, Dona Ana, and the statue of the Commendatore, her father. In the fiery realm of Hell, they are joined by the Devil himself, sparking a thought-provoking philosophical debate on topics like Heaven, Hell, love, and the complexities of marriage. Ultimately, they confront their destinies and decide where they will spend eternity. (Summary by Bob Neufeld)

A dramatic version of the classic fable of a kind man who comes across a lion with a thorn in its paw, his compassion for the injured lion prompts him to aid it and the kindness is remembered by the lion who will later save his life. - Summary by InkellCast List:Androcles: Adrian StephensMegaera: Agnes Robert BehrStage Directions: InkellThe Centurion: ARodrigoLavinia: ShrimpPhishThe Captain: Larry WilsonFerrovius: OlgaVictoriaChristian #1: Robert CheyneChristian #2: Winnifred AssmannChristian #3: MichaelLMetellus: Anthony JosephThe Ox Driver: Alan MapstoneSpintho: Jon HunterLentulus: RoxbyOne ...

This captivating play explores the life of Candida, the wife of the renowned clergyman, Reverend James Mavor Morell. Morell, a popular Christian Socialist within the Church of England, owes much of his success to Candidas unwavering support. However, when she returns home from a trip to London accompanied by the young poet Eugene Marchbanks—who believes he can offer her a life beyond the confines of her mundane domesticity—the dynamics shift dramatically. Marchbanks is infatuated with Candida, viewing her as a divine figure deserving of more than mere complacency in her marriage. While ...

To celebrate Radio 3's 50th anniversary, Man and Superman was directed by Sir Peter Hall, and preserved for all time in this lush audio dramatization. "A comedy and a philosophy", Man and Superman is based on the Don Juan theme, and using all the elements from Mozart's Don Giovanni, Shaw reordered them so that Don Juan becomes the quarry instead of the huntsman. Boasting an outstanding cast including Ralph Fiennes, Juliet Stevenson, Dame Judi Dench, John Wood, Nicholas Le Prevost, and Paul Merton.

In this late work, Shaw examines many contemporary issues under the broad rubric of evolution and then illustrates his opinions in five brief plays set in widely separated historical periods, beginning in the Garden of Eden and ending in the year 31,920 A.D. The unifying principle in this historical survey is the notion that the survival of humankind depends on increasing our lifespan to at least 300 years, a period permitting us to grow to maturity. The ultimate question that the mature cast of characters grapple with is what is to be the next significant step in evolution. Mere longevity ...

Arms and the Man is a comedy written by George Bernard Shaw, and was first produced in 1894 and published in 1898, and has become one of the most popular of his plays. Like his other works, Arms and the Man questions conventional values and uses war and love as his satirical targets. He delightfully pops the bubble of the 'brave soldier' always wishing to charge into battle and shows (I think) how people stay the same whether in uniform or not and are not magically changed into different people. A cautious soldier can be just as admirable as a reckless one. View our full collection of podcasts...

George Bernard Shaw's "Arms and The Man" explores the irony of romanticized war through humor and wit, showing the complexities of human nature and the absurdity of idealized heroism. Dive into a story that breaks down traditional notions of bravery and love, with characters caught in a web of hypocrisy, romance, and idealism. This podcast episode is a must for anyone interested in satirical takes on war, human folly, and the unexpected ways that truth can change lives.

Arms and the Man by George Bernard Shaw is a comedic play set during the Serbo-Bulgarian War. It follows the story of Raina, a young Bulgarian woman, who shelters a Swiss mercenary soldier named Captain Bluntschli. Unlike the romanticized ideals of war that Raina believes in, Bluntschli is practical, preferring food over bullets and questioning the glory of battle. As Raina's idealistic views are challenged, the play humorously critiques the absurdity of romanticized heroism and war. Meanwhile, a love triangle develops between Raina, her fiancé Sergius, and Bluntschli, revealing the ...

A timeless classic by George Bernard Shaw, Arms and the Man is a comedy about love, ideals, and romance. A young woman from a wealthy Bulgarian family is visited in her room by an enemy captain in his flight to evade capture, and this chance encounter threatens her engagement and her high-minded idealism.

Enjoy the witty and satirical play "Arms and The Man" by George Bernard Shaw. This podcast brings to life a humorous and thought-provoking story that critiques romanticized views of war and heroism. Ideal for fans of classic theater and social commentary.

Simon Cadell stars as Henry Higgins with Imelda Staunton as Eliza Doolittle in this BBC Radio 4 production of Shaw’s famous play. When phonetics tutor and linguist Henry Higgins meets Cockney flower girl Eliza Doolittle, he makes a bet with his friend Colonel Pickering that he can teach her to speak so well that she will be able to pass herself off as a Duchess at a society ball.

"300 Quotations from the Great Artists of the 20th Century" is a collection of wit and wisdom from some of the 20th century’s greatest minds. The cherry-picked selection of quotes includes musings from martial arts expert and actor Bruce Lee, actor and comedian Groucho Marx, and Irish Playwright, George Bernard Shaw. This highly recommended collection is an inspiring, educational, and humorous listen, and will delight those who need some extra motivation or just a quick laugh.