検索キーワード： 著者 "Bernard Shaw" すべてのカテゴリー

Barbara, the granddaughter of an earl, is busy saving souls in the Salvation Army while her father, maintaining that poverty is the worst of crimes, runs a munitions factory.

When Vivie learns that her mother's harlotry is the origin of her financial support, nothing in her world can ever be the same. There are serious consequences for her suitor, her mother, and herself.

In this allegorical play, the eccentric Captain Shorover's home hosts a cast, each of whom represents some evil in the modern world.

Eight of George Bernard Shaw's most memorable plays in one splendid collection: Mrs. Warren’s Profession, Arms and the Man, Candida, The Devil’s Disciple, Major Barbara, The Doctor’s Dilemma, Misalliance, and Pygmalion.

Taking place on a single day in May 1909, a self-made millionaire and his family invite their future nobleman-in-law for a visit to their estate in Surrey, England. In this delightfully clever play, issues of gender, class, politics, and family are all targets for Shaw's keen wit.

The blowhards, the know-it-alls, the scrupulous and the impecunious are all targets for Shaw's incisive wit in his classic satire of the medical profession. A well-respected physician is forced to choose whom he shall save: a bumbling friend or the ne'er-do-well husband of the woman he loves.

You Never Can Tell was originally born out of a bet that Shaw couldn't write a "seaside comedy" (a popular theatrical genre at that time). The result is perhaps the most surprising of Shaw's plays, complete with marital mayhem, tangled romance, and even doubtful dentistry. Despite the play's lighthearted tone, it's really another of Shaw's brilliantly observed social treatises, this time in the guise of a light comedy.

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...

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 ...

Set against the tumultuous backdrop of the American Revolution, Devils Disciple follows the rebellious Richard Dudgeon, who, disillusioned by his mothers strict religious fervor and the narrow-mindedness of his neighbors, boldly embraces the title of the devils disciple. He finds camaraderie among the towns outcasts and relishes in the discomfort of those around him, including the earnest minister Anthony Anderson and his unassuming wife, Judith. However, as the British Army, led by General Burgoyne, draws near in search of prominent rebels to punish, Richard, Anthony, and Judith confront a ...

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

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 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)

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)

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 ...

In The Doctors Dilemma, we follow the story of Dr. Colenso Ridgeon, a recently knighted physician celebrated for his groundbreaking treatment for tuberculosis. As his friends gather to honor his achievement, he is confronted by two unexpected visitors who force him to face an agonizing choice. With only one vacancy left in his clinic, should he admit the brilliant yet morally bankrupt artist Louis Dubedat, or the humble and kind-hearted Dr. Blenkinsop? Dr. Ridgeons internal struggle deepens when he finds himself falling for Jennifer Dubedat, the innocent wife of the artist, who remains unaware...

Candida is a witty and thought-provoking comedy by the renowned playwright George Bernard Shaw, first published in 1898 as part of his collection, Plays Pleasant. The story revolves around clergyman James Morell, his spirited wife Candida, and the earnest young poet, Eugene Marchbanks, who seeks to capture her heart. Through this captivating narrative, Shaw challenges Victorian ideals of love and marriage, exploring the deeper desires of women in a patriarchal society. With Morell as a Fabian Socialist, Shaw seamlessly integrates the political climate of his time into the fabric of the play, ...

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...

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 ...