Explore this Show
Overview
Synopsis
Man and Superman is a massive drama full of both light comedy and deep philosophy, based on Nietzsche's theory of the Abermensch, or superman. Acts I, II, and IV play as romantic comedy with a bite. Ann Whitefield relentlessly pursues dedicated bachelor Jack Tanner, not giving up until he agrees to marry her. No one really likes Ann, least of all Tanner; she is a selfish bully. But, she is imbued with the Life Force, making her charmingly irresistible. By contrast, the third act of the play is set in Hell, and the lead characters take on roles from Mozart's Don Giovanni. There, they engage in a long philosophical discussion about the eternal conflicts between men and women and Heaven and Hell. This third act provides a philosophical context within which to understand the other three acts, giving the comedy and romance of acts I, II, and IV a deeper meaning. In performance, however, Act III is almost always excised. Act III has also been performed separately, as a one-act entitled, Don Juan in Hell.
Show Information
- Book
- George Bernard Shaw
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Youth (Y)/General Audiences (G)
- Number of Acts
- 4
- First Produced
- 1903
- Genres
- Comedy, Satire
- Time & Place
- london, sierra nevada, grenada
- Cast Size
- medium
- Licensor
- None/royalty-free
- Ideal For
- community theatre, professional theatre, university theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Mature Adult, Young Adult, Adult, Elderly Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Lead |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
A series of events in a performance or piece of literature that are a dream experienced by one of the characters.
An investigation of truth, existence, or morality that uses rational and logical thought
Description of material not protected by copyright law.
Videos
Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Quote Analysis
Sorry! We do not currently have learning modules for this guide.
Guide Written By:
Alexandra Appleton
Writer, editor and theatre researcher