Major Barbara
Interesting Facts
- The play «Major Barbara» explores themes of morality, religion, and social responsibility through the lens of the Undershaft family, where the father is a wealthy arms manufacturer and the daughter is a major in the Salvation Army.
- One of the central themes of the play is the conflict between idealism and realism, manifested in the clash of views between Barbara and her father.
- Bernard Shaw uses the play to critique capitalism and question the moral foundations of society, showing how money and power can influence human values.
- The play was first performed in 1905 and has since remained one of Shaw's most renowned works, frequently staged.
- «Major Barbara» also explores the question of whether charity can be sincere if it is funded by immoral sources, such as arms manufacturing.
Date of publication: 21 January 2025
Updated: 14 November 2026
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Genre: Drama
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