Showing results by author "Bernard Shaw" in All Categories

Man and Superman was the first drama to be broadcast on the BBC's Third Programme on October 1st, 1946. To celebrate Radio 3's 50th anniversary, the play was directed by Sir Peter Hall, and preserved for all time in this lush audio dramatisation. 'A comedy and a philosophy', Man and Superman is...

With Saint Joan, George Bernard Shaw reached the height of his fame as a dramatist. Fascinated by the story of Joan of Arc but unhappy with "the whitewash which disfigures her beyond recognition," he presents a realistic Joan at war not just with British invaders but with realpolitik. This is a masterpiece of the theater of ideas, presented in the most eloquent, vital, human, and moving terms.

This collection contains the following works: Euripides: Medea Sophocles: Antigone Aeschylus: Agamemnon Aeschylus: Eumenides Aeschylus: The Choephori William Shakespeare: The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice William Shakespeare: The Tragedy of Romeo And Juliet William Shakespeare: The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark, William Shakespeare: The Tragedy of Macbeth, William Shakespeare: A Midsummer Night's Dream, William Shakespeare: The Tragedy of King Lear, William Shakespeare: Antony and Cleopatra.

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.

This collection contains the following works: Medea by Sophocles Antigone by Sophocles Agamemnon by Aeschylus Eumenides by Aeschylus The Choephori by Aeschylus The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice by William Shakespeare The Tragedy of Romeo And Juliet by William Shakespeare The Tragedy of Hamlet, Prince of Denmark by William Shakespeare The Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare The Tragedy of King Lear by William Shakespeare The Tragedy of Antony and Cleopatra by William Shakespeare.

Love Among the Artists, originally penned in 1881 and published in the United States in 1900 and in England in 1914, offers a captivating glimpse into the world of Victorian polite society. In an atmosphere filled with light-hearted chatter and superficiality, a young George Bernard Shaw shares his insights on the arts, the nature of romantic love, and the complexities of marriage. While he believes that dilettantes may find a way to balance love and domesticity, true artists, burdened by their genius, often struggle to conform to such societal norms. The central character, Owen Jack, is a ...

Gifted playwright George Bernard Shaw's Saint Joan is based on the life and trials of Joan of Arc whose canonisation occurred shortly before he wrote this play. Based on both substantial information of her life in Medieval France and records of her trial, Shaw characterizes this unique woman caught between the forces of the Church and law in this classic production with a strong cast supporting Siobhan McKenna's fine interpretation of this tragic heroine.

Bernard Shaw based his "religious pantomime" Androcles and the Lion on the ancient fable of the runaway slave who pulls a painful thorn from a lion's paw, thereby making a lifelong friend. This tale of a puny Greek tailor triumphing over the Roman emperor is, as always with Shaw, a commentary on the politics of his time, with the emperor standing in for the British government and, indeed, all repressive regimes.

The play Don Juan in Hell originated as Act 3, Scene 2, of Man and Superman and is a spirited debate between Heaven and Hell. It was written by Irish playwright and a master of social commentary George Bernard Shaw (1856 – 1950), who is probably most famous for Pygmalion amongst his 60 plays. This famous performance features Charles Boyer as Don Juan, Charles Laughton as the Devil, Cedric Hardwicke as the Commander, and Agnes Moorehead as Doña Ana.

Misalliance, a captivating play by George Bernard Shaw from 1910, delves into the complex romantic dynamics of an eclectic group gathered at a wealthy mans country estate during a summer weekend. At the heart of the intrigue is Hypatia Tarleton, the hosts spirited daughter and a quintessential Shaw heroine, who embodies his belief that in the dance of courtship, women are the relentless pursuers while men are often hesitant. Hypatia is the daughter of the newly affluent John Tarleton, who amassed his fortune in the unremarkable yet profitable underwear industry. Growing weary of the rigid ...

In Fannys First Play, we meet Fanny, the spirited daughter of a Count, who has taken a bold step by penning her own play. With professional actors at her side and the eyes of prominent critics upon her, she chooses to keep her authorship a secret, fearing her fathers disapproval of the perceived vulgarity of modern life. Will Fannys daring endeavor succeed, or will her fathers traditional values overshadow her artistic ambitions? Join us for a captivating journey filled with wit, tension, and the struggle for creative freedom. - Summary by Michele Eaton

In this thought-provoking late work, George Bernard Shaw delves into a myriad of contemporary issues through the lens of evolution, presenting his insights in five succinct plays set across vastly different historical epochs—from the Garden of Eden to the year 31,920 A.D. The central theme of this historical exploration posits that the future of humanity hinges on extending our lifespan to a remarkable 300 years, allowing us to truly mature. The characters in these plays wrestle with a pivotal question what will be the next significant leap in our evolution? While mere longevity enables this...

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 ...

George Bernard Shaws Major Barbara presents a thought-provoking exploration of family dynamics and social ideals. Lady Britomart Undershaft, an aristocrat, finds herself estranged from her wealthy husband, Andrew, who manufactures armaments. As her daughters, Sarah and Barbara, prepare for marriage, Lady Britomart seeks financial support from Andrew. Barbara, a Major in the Salvation Army, invites her father to witness her work in a mission located in Londons East End, while she agrees to visit his munitions factory. This clash of Barbaras philanthropic fervor and her fathers capitalist ...

Set against the backdrop of impending World War I, Heartbreak House follows Ellie Dunn as she navigates a tangled web of love and societal expectations at one of Hesione Hushabye’s notorious dinner parties. With a scoundrel for a fiancé, a bumbling father, and a secret love for Hector, Hesione’s husband, Ellie finds herself in a farcical yet tragic predicament. This sharp and witty play serves as a biting satire of British society, blissfully unaware of the looming disaster. (Summary by Wikipedia)

Arms and the Man is a witty comedy by George Bernard Shaw, first produced in 1894 and published in 1898. It has since earned its place as one of Shaws most beloved plays. With his characteristic sharpness, Shaw challenges the conventional ideals surrounding war and love, using satire to expose the myth of the brave soldier eager for battle. He cleverly illustrates that true character remains unchanged, whether one is in uniform or not, showing that a cautious soldier can be just as commendable as a reckless one. Join us as we unravel the hilarity and depth of this timeless masterpiece. - ...

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 ...

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...

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...