Man and Superman

A Note from the Director

George Bernard Shaw was a proud Provocateur and Subversive. My most beloved Shaw quote is: “I have not achieved success, but I have provoked uproar, and the result was so agreeable, I am resolved to try again!” He was a proven success, but loved ruffling feathers, and exposing lies. The Socialist firebrand of his age, a founder of Britain’s Labor Party, Shaw delighted in”savagely attacking social hypocrisy” [The Nobel Foundation 1925] demanding change, blasting the glacial pace of governments or administrations. He abhorred the British upper class, titles and manners. He championed the self-educated, the working man, and equal rights. I suspect he would enjoy my Feminist vision for his play.

My starting point for this production was: What if Ann were not an “empty-headed, feather-brained little woman”? What if she were involved in the politics of her time? By immersing the audience in the political turmoil, ‘radical’ ideas of Socialism and Women’s Suffrage of the early 1900’s, we can find parallels in today’s America. We often ‘project’ our judgments on to others, believing ‘sound bites’ or Instagram posts rather than seeking the true story; exactly as the Ramsdens ‘project’ their scorching moral judgments onto Violet in Act 1, believing they already ‘know’ the truth, trying to get rid of her quickly – appalled she is even in their house! Shaw exposed this sort of degrading social ‘projection’ to shame those who practice such ruthless behavior.

In Britain, women were prohibited from owning property, businesses, signing contracts, or managing their own money (which is why, when Ann’s father dies, a guardian must be appointed even though she’s an adult). Women had to pay taxes, but could not take part in politics, nor could they vote. The pairing of Jack and Ann must be a debate of equals, but how is that possible when women have no rights? When the dominant culture in any society refuses to extend equal rights to other members, the oppressed will ALWAYS find ways to survive. Ann and Violet are experts at using the rules of society to get what they need; they are pragmatic, and understand how to get things done. Interestingly, both have chosen idealists: Hector accepts losing his inheritance for marrying Violet – a rather romantic, impractical notion; Ann sees in Jack a fighter for the rights of the powerless, the voiceless; a man willing to expose unfairness and demand change. The attraction is inevitable.

Searing, fraudulent propaganda has always been part of the political landscape. We see a similar ‘demonization’ of women in politics today, as we begin an election cycle. The true measure of our character is how we respond, how we choose to take a stand: It took five years, 2 union reps (Thank you UFF-UCF, Claudia and Barbara!), and an attorney (Thank you, Peter!) to get Man & Superman into the season. One can only wonder why, in this day and age, there would be such opposition? Must have ruffled some feathers, I guess. Clearly, Shaw would approve. Enjoy!

— Lani Harris, Director