Book 1: Engage in witty discourse and philosophical exploration with “Man and Superman: A Comedy and a Philosophy by Bernard Shaw.” George Bernard Shaw weaves a brilliant comedy that delves into the complexities of human relationships, societal expectations, and the eternal struggle between the sexes. This thought-provoking play combines humor with philosophical insights, making it a timeless exploration of the human condition. Book 2: Experience the humor and controversy of rural Irish life with “The Playboy of the Western World: A Comedy in Three Acts by J. M. Synge.” J. M. Synge's play takes center stage in a small Irish village, where the arrival of a self-proclaimed "playboy" sparks both admiration and scandal. This comedy unfolds with sharp wit and social commentary, offering a compelling glimpse into Irish cultural dynamics. Book 3: Delight in the lighthearted charm of “Daddy Long-Legs: A Comedy in Four Acts by Jean Webster.” Jean Webster's play brings to life the whimsical story of an orphan who receives a mysterious benefactor. As the narrative unfolds, it explores themes of identity, love, and self-discovery, creating a delightful comedy that has captivated audiences with its heartwarming humor.

Man and Superman: A Comedy and a Philosophy by Bernard Shaw Man and Superman is a massive drama filled with light comedy and deep philosophy, based on Nietzsche's theory of the Abermensch or superman. Acts I, II, and IV play like a romantic comedy with a bite. Ann Whitefield relentlessly pursues dedicated bachelor Jack Tanner, not giving up until he agrees to marry her. Nobody likes Ann, least of all Tanner; she's a selfish bully. But, she is imbued with the Life Force, which makes her charmingly irresistible. By contrast, the third act of the play takes place in hell and the main characters take on the roles of Mozart's Don Giovanni. There, they engage in a long philosophical discussion about the eternal conflicts between men and women and heaven and hell. This third act provides a philosophical context within which to understand the other three acts, giving the comedy and romance of Acts I, II, and IV a deeper meaning. In execution, however, Act III is almost always removed. The third act has also been performed separately, as a single act titled Don Juan in Hell.

Olney Theatre, "Man and Superman," by George Bernard Shaw, directed by Leo Brady, settings and lighting by James D. Waring, costumes by Joseph Lewis.

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A dramatic play written by Bernard Shaw.

Man and Superman is a four-act drama, written by George Bernard Shaw in 1903. The series was written in response to calls for Shaw to write a play based on the Don Juan theme. Man and Superman opened at The Royal Court Theatre in London on 23 May 1905, but with the omission of the 3rd Act. A part of the act, Don Juan in Hell (Act 3, Scene 2), was performed when the drama was staged on 4 June 1907 at the Royal Court. The play was not performed in its entirety until 1915, when the Travelling Repertory Company played it at the Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh.The long third act of the play is often cut. Don Juan in Hell consists of a philosophical debate between Don Juan (played by the same actor who plays Jack Tanner), and the Devil, with Doña Ana (Ann) and the Statue of Don Gonzalo, Ana's father (Roebuck Ramsden, an aged acquaintance of Tanner's and Ann's Guardian) looking on. This third act is often performed separately as a play in its own right, most famously during the 1950s in a concert version, featuring Charles Boyer as Don Juan, Charles Laughton as the Devil, Cedric Hardwicke as the Commander and Agnes Moorehead as Doña Ana. This version was also released as a spoken word album on LP, but is yet to appear on CD. However, the complete performance recording is now available at various sites on the internet. In 1974–75 Kurt Kasznar, Myrna Loy, Edward Mulhare and Ricardo Montalban toured nationwide in John Houseman's reprise of the production, playing 158 cities in six months.Although Man and Superman can be performed as a light comedy of manners, Shaw intended the drama to be something much deeper, as suggested by the title. This title comes from Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophical ideas about the "Übermensch" ("Superman"). The plot centres on John Tanner, author of "The Revolutionist's Handbook and Pocket Companion", which is published with the play as a 58-page appendix. Tanner is a confirmed bachelor despite the pursuits of Ann Whitefield and her persistent efforts to entice him to marry her. Ann is referred to as "the Life Force" and represents Shaw's view that in every culture, it is the women who force the men to marry them rather than the men who take the initiative.In 1982, the play was filmed with Peter O'Toole in the starring role.

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When the brains of the average reader become tangled up in the mazes of Mr. Shaw's latest offering, "Man and Superman," he will wonder, long before its close, whether he, or the author, is crazy. That is, if he takes the book seriously. If he does not, he will enjoy himself thoroughly, but will have failed to appreciate the spirit and intention of the work's creator.