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.
Seven Brilliant Quotes by Shaw
"Youth is wasted on the young." Seven quotes by George Bernard Shaw, known for his witty insights into the human condition.
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
Photography Exhibit: Angels by Tom Lupton
Tom Lupton's Angels is a photography exhibit inspired by the themes of Rent. As relevant today as it was 26 ago, the story finds us all dealing with a virus confounded by misinformation, civil unrest, and yeah, figuring out how to deal with last year's rent.
Improvisation Classes for Beginners
Whether you're looking to get more confident in social situations, think quicker on your feet, or get in touch with your imaginative side, this once-a-month improv class will set you on the path to success! (One of four sessions.)
Urban Jazz Dance Classes with Noelle Simone
Urban Jazz dance technique is a fusion of: Jazz, Hip-hop, Horton, Graham, Ballet, and Voguing. Originated in Chicago Illinois by Mr. Joel Hall, owner of the Joel Hall Dancers and Center. Urban Jazz focuses on isolations, rhythm, and soul, fused with the lively energy of the Chicago streets. All levels are welcome!
Rent
Don’t miss this sensational, iconic musical hot off its 25th Anniversary! Rent took Broadway by storm with its deeply resonant look at a deadly virus, financial precarity, and love as a radical act. As a group of young artists fights for justice and visibility during the AIDS crisis, they revel in the beautiful bonds of friendship and chosen family. With its profound message of joy and hope in the face of uncertainty, this timeless musical reminds us to measure our lives with the only thing that truly matters — love.
June First Thursday Featuring Onry
Celebrate June First Thursday with a performance by Onry, an award-winning singer, dancer, actor, and pianist based in Portland. The photography exhibit Angels by artist Tom Lupton will also be on display in the PGE Gallery.
PCS Teen Playwrights: Spring Showcase
Don't miss this evening of phenomenal plays written by teens from our PCS Young Playwrights residency and Teen Academy classes. Their short scripts will be directed by Lava Alapai and performed by professional actors.
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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