SHAW’S PHILOSOPHY.

Waikato Times, Volume 107, Issue 18027, 23 May 1930, Page 6

SHAW’S PHILOSOPHY.

REVIEW BY LECTURER. VERSATILITY OF INTERESTS. Continuing his course of lectures on "Modern Drama” Mr F. B. Stephens, tutor-organiser of the Workers’ Educational Association, proceeded to analyse and outline many 'of Bernard Shawls better known plays, giving the audience many glimpses of the philosophy underlying these works. “ m studying the purpose behind many of Shaw’s earlier plays one can obtain many impressions of ■ the man as ho really was in those days, a hotheaded soap-box orator, but, still, one who delighted in attacking capitalistic evils and specific social problems,” said Mr Stephens. " Indeed, up till 1903 Shaw was definitely a destructive critic, and it was not until after that date that his works contained any really constructive philosophy.” Shaw’s versatility of interests was especially remarkable, as witness his play “ Back to Methusalah.” in which he ranges from a first scene of creation and the Garden of Eden to a period in the far distant future, a period when all marriage and divorce problems are at an end. His scenes vary in locality from England, Bulgaria, and Morocco to America, and include many travesties on national character. The numerous epigrams in these plays are especially, noteworthy, : as they not only provide a great deal of food for thought, but seem to persist in one’s mind, as no doubt their author intended them to. Many excellent readings by the lecturer served to illustrate his remarks, the audience showing much appreciation of Shaw’s character sketch of the Englishman in Napoleon’s dramatic spench from " The Man of Destiny.” Other very interesting readings were from “ Caesar and Cleopatra,” “ Candida,” “ The Devil’s Disciple,” and “ Man and Superman.” At tiie next meeting a reading of Shaw's play, “ Arms and the Man," will be given by members of the class.