MAJOR BARBARA
How do you lift someone up? How do you bring about lasting social change? These are two of the questions on George Bernard Shaw’s mind in Major Barbara, one of his most significant works. Born into an impoverished and unusual Irish family (his mother had not much interest in his father, so moved her music teacher and lover into the home with them), Shaw moved to London in his 20s. At that moment, England was experiencing the full force of the Industrial Revolution, with all of the technological advances, geographic relocations, and economic disparities it brought.
His work as a journalist and music critic brought him into the circle of the most forward thinking people of the day. Along with H.G. Wells and Sidney and Beatrice Webb, he became a force behind the newly formed Fabian Society in 1884, whose goal was democratic socialism by peaceable means. The changes the Fabians fought for — including child labor laws, a minimum wage, the 8-hour work day and universal health care — were extremely rare in Victorian England. As the Society’s most effective spokesperson (largely because he was so funny), he became one of the country’s most popular political orators.
After 21 years of engaging in progressive political debate and seeing social change arrive so slowly, Shaw took up the challenge of theatricalizing the collision between a successful capitalist and his Salvation Army-leading daughter in Major Barbara. What does impactful social change require? And at what cost? I hope you enjoy wrestling with the questions Shaw poses in this delicious piece as much as I have.
LADY DAY AT EMERSON’S BAR AND GRILL
I was 27, and couldn’t see clearly through the chaos that seemed to have engulfed my life. I sought out a therapist through a friend and at the end of our first session, she gave me a sheet of recommendations to bring my life into balance. The words she offered resonated: “Creativity is a high frequency. You have to give it a clear, grounded channel to move through, or it will short-circuit and eat you alive.” Sobering, but powerful thoughts.
Billie Holiday was one of those rare humans whose creative fire and emotional depth was visible to all. Life left scars on her heart that she never completely escaped. But her way with a tune, her turn of phrase, her ability to convey the emotional texture of the simplest lyric was indelible, heartbreaking and mesmerizing.
In Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill, we get to meet Billie late in her journey, when the imprint of her struggles are impossible to mask. And yet the searing truth of her story shines through in the beauty of her iconic music.
I WOULD BE REMISS TO LEAVE WITHOUT OFFERING MY THANKS. The past 18 years here in Portland have been an adventure beyond my wildest imaginings. To each of you who have attended a show, supported the work, or offered your encouragement over the years, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you for your presence, your openness, your support. This is an extraordinary city, and this company is a treasure in the region. Take good care of it!
Warmly,
Chris
Portland Center Stage at The Armory’s Major Barbara ticket and schedule information here.
Portland Center Stage at The Armory’s Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill ticket and schedule information here.
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