Shaw and America: The End of a Century

SHAW AND AMERICA: THE END OF A CENTURYo THERE APPEARS TO BE A CONNOTATION not wholly fortuitous between the writing of this account and of an earlier account just fifty-two years ago. Shortly after being authorized by the late George Bernard Shaw as his biographer, I prepared an article for a national American magazine, The Reader, of Indianapolis, Ixldiana, "The Present Vogue of Mr. Shaw" (June, 1904). The article you are now reading might bear the same title, with the added words, "in the United States of America." Even without bothering to argue the case, it may be taken for granted that a dramatist who first came into vogue in 1904 and is much more in vogue in these United States today, must be a living force in the drama of the twentieth century. The most effective influence in acquainting the public .with all matters pertaining to Shaw in this country, since his death, is The Shaw Society of America, Incorporated. The Society issues an excellent magazine, The Shaw Review, containing first-class critical articles on all phases of Shaw and his work, including bibliographical notes. Important loan exhibits of Shaviana are mounted from time to time, at the New York Public Library, Grolier Club, and elsewhere. At special meetings, plays and readings are given, notably Candido, The DeviT:8 Disciple, Man and Superman, Village Wooing, and Farfetched Fables. The Society has effectively carried out its "Object," as stated in the Constitution: "To study and interpret George Bernard Shaw's writings, work and personality; to make him more widely understood and appreciated ; and to provide a meeting ground for those who admire and respect the man." A celebration of the one hundredth anniversary of Shaw's birth, with the president of the Shaw Society of America as guest of honor and many distinguished speakers, took place in Chicago July 26, 1956, concluding with the establishment of the Chicago chapter of the S.S.A. Shaw's greatest successes in English-speaking countries were achieved by the most prosperous and artfully conducted semi-repertory and subscription organization in this country, the New York Theatre Guild. This organization, which began in 1918, has during its thirty-nine years of continuous existence, produced seventeen of Shaw's plays, the last being The Millionairess in 1952--1953. It may be worthy of record that OA shorter version of Mr. Henderson's paper appeared in the Manchester Guardian, July 26. 1956. . 173 174 MODERN DRAMA September ten world-premieres of Shaw's plays are recorded for this country, including the Theatre Guild's greatest triumph, Saint Joan (1923). Three years ago the famous Hedgerow Theatre of Moylan, Pennsylvania , which claimed to be America's only professional repertory theater, came to an end, for possible reorganization on a more ambitious scale. It was founded in 1923 by Jasper Deeter, a successful teacher of dramatic art and a talented actor; and since then has been in continuous 'operation until recently. It has to its credit forty-three worldpremieres ; and it produced fifteen of Shaw's plays. The Hedgerow Theatre has given the only performances in this country of Man and Superman in its entirety, the first taking place on July 26, 1939, Shaw's eighty-third birthday. Most of the Hedgerow performances took place in a 167-seat converted former snuff mill, originally constructed about 1840. One of the most remarkable features of the American theater is the suburban activitY in some eight or ten States, ranging from New England and New York as far south as Virginia and North Carolina. Many of these small theaters are converted mills, warehouses, bams, and garages; and the touring;range is known as the "Straw Hat Trail." At many of these theaters, the leading roles are taken by professional players who revel in a 4'busman's holiday" for the summer; and the minor roles are taken by players of lesser rank and young postulants for dramatic honors. Examination of the repertory of this group of scores of theaters demonstrates the adaptability of many of Shaw's plays for repertory and experimental acting. In one recent season, for example, more than thirty of Shaw's plays with some multiplications...