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
Gallery Exhibit: FIGURE FOUR by Valentino Oscar Quijano-Moeckel
FIGURE FOUR is an art exhibit by Portland-based visual artist Valentino Oscar Quijano-Moeckel. It features works on paper and canvas that tackle an intriguing and complicated sect of American pop culture — pro wrestling.
Workshop: Wig Basics 101 with Jes
Come join Jes (@TheMagicMakingMermaid on TikTok) as she shows you how to securely prep your own hair for an unbeatable wig-wearing experience. Whether you wear wigs for Halloween, cosplay, theater, or just for fun, this class is for you!
October First Thursday Featuring VNPRT & Friends
Join us for a special "Libra Edition" of VNPRT & Friends — along with tours of the costume shop! VNPRT will be joined by Noah Simpson on trumpet, Cory Limuaco on drums, Adriana Wagner on trombone, Chibia Ulinwa on violin, Sam Arnold on bass, and James Theory. Don't miss this improvisational music performance that blends hip hop, jazz, RnB, and more!
the ripple, the wave that carried me home
Drawing on history, this deeply moving story explores the joys and challenges of forgiveness, justice, and family legacy, as a young woman reconciles a childhood she has tried to forget.
Fall Teen Academy: Musical Theater Numbers
Experience the excitement and fun involved in creating musical theater! Participants will work with professional musical theater performers to explore vocal performance and learn how to make strong acting choices when performing musical theater.
Pre-Show Performance: Bodies by Dance Company push/FOLD
Celebrate power in movement with Portland’s premiere contemporary dance company, push/FOLD. In this site-specific performance with audience interaction, we'll dive into Bodies and learn what truly makes our bodies move.
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
2017-2018 Supporting Sponsors
