Major Barbara is George Bernard Shaw’s provocative and intellectually charged drama—a brilliant exploration of wealth, morality, religion, and social responsibility.
The play centers on Barbara Undershaft, a devoted officer in the Salvation Army who believes in saving souls through faith and charity. Her convictions are challenged when she confronts the unsettling truth about her father, Andrew Undershaft—a wealthy arms manufacturer whose fortune funds both war and philanthropy. As ideals clash with economic realities, Shaw forces audiences to question the relationship between poverty, power, and moral compromise.
Sharp, witty, and deeply philosophical, Major Barbara examines whether true reform can exist without financial strength—and whether charity alone can address systemic injustice. Shaw’s sparkling dialogue and fearless social critique make the play as relevant today as when it first appeared.
Bold, intelligent, and thought-provoking, Major Barbara remains a cornerstone of modern drama—essential reading for students, performers, and anyone interested in ethics, economics, and the moral dilemmas of society.
Details
- Publication Date
- Mar 9, 2026
- Language
- English
- Category
- Fiction
- Copyright
- All Rights Reserved - Standard Copyright License
- Contributors
- By (author): George Bernard Shaw
Specifications
- Pages
- 147
- Binding Type
- Paperback Perfect Bound
- Interior Color
- Black & White
- Dimensions
- Digest (5.5 x 8.5 in / 140 x 216 mm)
Keywords
Major BarbaraGeorge Bernard ShawShaw playsmodern drama classicsocial commentary dramaBritish theatre classicsreligion and morality dramawealth and ethics fictionSalvation Army playarms industry themespublic domain playspolitical philosophy dramapoverty and charity themesclassic stage playsEdwardian drama literatureeconomic power themesmoral compromise fictionEuropean theatre classicswitty dramatic dialoguedrama for students