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Don Juan In Hell - A Night of Reader's Theater by George Bernard Shaw

You once asked me why I did not write a Don Juan play. The levity with which you assumed this frightful responsibility has probably by this time enabled you to forget it; but the day of reckoning has arrived: Here Is Your Play!

With these words, Shaw introduced his contribution to the body of work about that most infamous libertine: Don Juan. However Man and Superman, written in 1903, is a far cry from your typical adventure of conquesting men and the women they pursue. In typical Shavian fashion, Shaw turns all expectations on their head: from the setting in turn-of-the-century England to a lead character (John Tanner) that runs from the slightest hint of romantic intentions. In so doing, Shaw took as his subject not the actions associated with Don Juan, but the philosophical basis for those actions.

Nowhere is this more evident then in the third act. Taking a respite from the main story, a dream unfolds for our characters, a debate between Mephistopheles, Lord of Romance & Beauty and Don Juan himself, who seeks unadulterated reality. Often performed as a standalone piece, Don Juan in Hell ranges thematically from the underlying purpose of marriage and romance, to the fundamental difference between heaven and hell, to why Mozart and Wagner would never change places. (Mozart first came to hell, but after a confrontation with Wagner, left for heaven in a huff.)

This spring, the Drama Department of Sierra College will present Don Juan in Hell by George Bernard Shaw. Directed by Professor Michael Hunter, this readers theater rendition presents a rare opportunity to see theater performed in this manner. Both comic and thought provoking, this show is a must see for anyone who wants to better the world, or just have a good time.

. . . This is the true joy in life, the being used for a purpose recognized by yourself as a mighty one; being a force of Nature instead of a feverish selfish little clod of ailment and grievances complaining that the world will not devote itself to making you happy.