Showing results by author "George Bernard Shaw" in All Categories

George Bernard Shaw est un critique musical, dramaturge, essayiste, auteur de pièces de théâtre et scénariste irlandais. Acerbe et provocateur, pacifiste et anticonformiste, il obtient le prix Nobel de littérature en 1925. Ces 100 citations visent à donner accès à son œuvre monumentale par une sélection de ses pensées les plus marquantes, dans un format accessible à tous.

Queste 100 citazioni mirano a fornire l'accesso a un'opera o a una vita eccezionale, attraverso una selezione dei pensieri più eclatanti, in un formato accessibile a tutti. Una citazione è più di un estratto di un'affermazione, può essere un colpo di mente, una sintesi di un pensiero complesso, una massima, un'apertura a una riflessione più profonda.

Don Juan in Hell is an excerpt (Act 3, Scene 2) from George Bernard Shaw’s Man and Superman. It is often performed as a standalone play. In it, three characters from Mozart’s Don Giovanni (Don Juan, Dona Ana, and the statue of the Commendatore, Dona Ana’s father) meet in Hell and, joined by the Devil, have a philosophical debate on a variety of subjects, including Heaven and Hell, men, women and marriage. In the end, they all decide where they will spend eternity.

Arms and the Man is a comedy by George Bernard Shaw that takes place in 1885, during the Serbo-Bulgarian War. Raina Petkoff is engaged to the gallant Sergius Saranoff, hero of the recent Bulgarian victory over the Serbs. But she is distracted by the abrupt arrival of Captain Bluntschli, a Swiss mercenary who fought for the Serbian army. He takes refuge in her bedroom after the battle and although he is initially threatening, reveals that he carries chocolate creams instead of bullets. Will Raina marry the posturing Sergius or the chocolate cream soldier?

The remarkable history of Joan of Arc liberating Orleans and France of the English but being burned at the stake and not canonized until five centuries later in 1920. The history and play are stunning achievements by George Bernard Shaw.

Wild, wacky, and wonderful are the characters involved in this debate-in-one-sitting. The Tarlton conservatory is the scene of many a Shavian skirmish: parents vying with children, sibling rivalry, and the battle of the sexes. An airplane crashing into the greenhouse, a gunner, and a Polish daredevil complicate matters even further!

Hace décadas que se publican libros que le dicen al hombre corriente cómo hacerse rico pero nadie se ha molestado en escribir uno para la minoría más ignorada por esta industria: los millonarios. En este ensayo humorístico escrito exclusivamente para superricos, se abordan temas de crucial interés tales como el éxito de la descendencia, las mejores formas de desperdiciar el dinero arduamente obtenido, las opciones de caridad más eficientes y cómo conciliar el estilo de vida millonario con el socialismo.

Caesar and Cleopatra, a captivating play penned by George Bernard Shaw in 1898, first graced the stage in 1901 and was published alongside Captain Brassbounds Conversion and The Devils Disciple in the 1901 collection Three Plays for Puritans. The inaugural performance took place in Newcastle upon Tyne on March 15, 1899, with a notable London production at the Savoy Theatre in 1907. Shaw presents a compelling argument that it was not passion, but rather political ambition, that drew Cleopatra to Julius Caesar. He draws parallels between the Roman occupation of ancient Egypt and the British ...

Saint Joan is a compelling play by George Bernard Shaw that dives into the life of Joan of Arc, a 15th-century French military icon. Premiering in 1923, just three years after her canonization by the Roman Catholic Church, the play captures Shaws perspective that the individuals involved in Joans trial acted based on their convictions. In his preface, Shaw eloquently states, “There are no villains in the piece. Crime, like disease, is not interesting it is something to be done away with by general consent, and that is all [there is] about it. It is what men do at their best, with good ...

In Widowers Houses, one of the three thought-provoking plays that make up Shaws Plays Unpleasant published in 1898, the renowned playwright challenges the status quo of Victorian theatre. Rather than simply entertain, Shaw aims to illuminate pressing social issues and critique the exploitation of the working class by the affluent elite. The story follows Dr. Harry Trench, who faces a moral crisis upon learning the unsettling truth about his fiancées father, Mr. Sartorius, and his dubious means of wealth. As the narrative unfolds, it becomes clear that Trenchs own financial situation is ...

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 ...

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, ...

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. - ...

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...