IN PERSON: Premiering in 1922, “Back to Methuselah” is the longest, most ambitious play by Nobel Prize-winning dramatist George Bernard Shaw. Subtitled “A Metabiological Pentateuch,” this five-part work constitutes Shaw’s most elaborate response to the tragedy of World War I. Spanning from the beginning of history to the end, in effect, “Back to Methuselah” calls for humankind to resume the longevity that characterized our ancient Hebrew forebears and to evolve in order to reach the intellectual, spiritual, moral, and political maturity necessary to sustain good government and live in peace. In this course, students will read the entirety of the play, as well as its long preface on Lamarckian evolution. While some attention will be paid to the historical, cultural, and literary contexts of the play vis-à-vis biblical narrative, science fiction, and “late style,” class discussions will focus on its formal innovation and thematic richness, particularly regarding Shaw’s vision of human destiny. | Lecture + Q&A, Facilitated discussion.
Max enrollment: 18.
Location: Judea Reform Congregation, 1933 W. Cornwallis Rd, Durham NC 27705
