Major Barbara
How do you lift up a society? Shaw’s deliciously witty and timely classic tackles this question with unexpected results. Barbara has dedicated her life to serving the poor and clashes with her father who amassed his fortune selling weapons for war. As Shaw explores notions of right versus wrong, left versus right, and everything in between, you’ll find yourself laughing while questioning your own beliefs. “One of Shaw's brightest, slyest, most provocatively outrageous and most timeless comedies." –New York Post
Who’s Who:
View the cast and creative team bios.
Run Time:
Approximately
2 hours and 30 minutes, including one intermission.
Playbill:
Explore the playbill.
Note:
Recommended for ages 12 and up. The actors in this production will be using tobacco-free herbal cigarettes. Children under 6 are not permitted at any production at The
Armory.
Resource Guide:
Download resource guide (PDF)
Major Barbara
- Previews are Apr. 14-19 | Opening night Apr. 20
- By George Bernard Shaw
- Directed by Chris Coleman
Specialty Cocktails for "Major Barbara" and "And So We Walked"
From Pimm's to an earl grey simple, Bar Supervisor (and resident mixologist) Melissa Larrabee introduces the delicious specialty cocktails inspired by Major Barbara and And So We Walked.
George Bernard Shaw and Portland Center Stage: Shared Good Fortune
As we prepare to open our production of Major Barbara, an unplanned but serendipitous pattern around the great man’s work has become apparent: We seem to mark major transitions at Portland Center Stage at The Armory with the works of George Bernard Shaw.
Shaw and Film
George Bernard Shaw loved film, but hated his own his work on screen. Until Gabriel Pascal came along and made film adaptations of Pygmalion and, later, Major Barbara.
Keep Calm and Quarrel On: "Major Barbara’s" Great Debaters
Benjamin Fainstein, Literary Manager at The Armory, discusses George Bernard Shaw's Major Barbara as a forum for debate.
The Costumes of "Major Barbara"
A behind the scenes look at the costumes for Major Barbara designed by Lex Liang.
"Major Barbara" Cast and Creative Team
Meet the incredible cast and creative team behind George Bernard Shaw's witty and timely classic, Major Barbara.
Talkin' Shaw Class
Join Literary Manager Benjamin Fainstein for a lively group discussion about George Bernard Shaw and Major Barbara. Wednesday, May 2nd 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Chris Coleman talks "Major Barbara" with Artslandia
Watch Chris Coleman talk about George Bernard Shaw's masterpiece Major Barbara — his final show at The Armory.
Siren Improv Giants at The Armory
Join The Siren Theater's favorite improvisers for a one-night only send up of The Armory's upcoming production of Major Barbara. Sunday, April 29 7:30 p.m. $10.
Current & Upcoming
Basics of Stage Combat for Teens
Theatrical stage combat is the illusion of violence. Kristen Mun-Van Noy will be offering three different classes, each focusing on a different area of the world of stage combat. In these courses, teens will learn the necessary skills and techniques that professional actors use to "die" onstage night after night.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
One of Shakespeare’s most popular comedies! This beguiling odyssey in an enchanted forest on a very magical midsummer night reminds us that “the course of true love never did run smooth” — so watch your step!
The Siren Theater Improv Giants: An Evening Inspired by A Midsummer Night's Dream
Join PCS friends, The Siren Theater Improv Giants, as they present an evening of improv riffing on themes inspired by William Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night’s Dream, featuring their group of some of the smartest, fastest, funniest, and quite frankly, the tallest improv comedians around.
Piano Bar with Courtney Freed and David Saffert
Join us for this monthly event with local songstress Courtney Freed and Portland-based pianist David Saffert as they host a good old fashioned PIANO BAR.
Write On! A 24-Hour Play Festival
More theater, less commitment! Join us as we Celebrate 20 years of PlayWrite with 8 plays that are written, rehearsed, and then performed in 24 hours.
Summer Teen Academy
Register now!
Our Summer Teen Theater Academy builds skills and confidence, while deepening the connection to the inspiring world of theater. Bring the power of theater to the teens in your life!
Portland Center Stage is committed to identifying & interrupting instances of racism & all forms of oppression, through the principles of inclusion, diversity, equity, & accessibility (IDEA).
Show Sponsors
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