Fanny's First Play   By: Bernard Shaw (1856-1950)

Fanny's First Play, written by the renowned playwright Bernard Shaw, is a masterful piece of literature that blends humor, satire, and social commentary in a way that only Shaw can. Although it may not be as well-known as some of his more famous works, such as Pygmalion or Arms and the Man, Fanny's First Play holds its own in terms of thought-provoking themes and sharp dialogue.

The play revolves around the story of Fanny, a young woman trying to break into the theater industry as a playwright. However, what sets this play apart is the unconventional twist: Fanny's play is performed within the play. Through this ingenious device, Shaw explores the complexity of art, censorship, and societal norms.

One of the standout aspects of Fanny's First Play is Shaw's skillful use of satire. He cleverly exposes the hypocritical nature of society by satirizing the overbearing moral codes and the strict Victorian values that governed the era. Shaw challenges the conventional views surrounding marriage, sex, and gender roles, making the audience question the validity of these societal norms.

Moreover, Shaw's mastery of witty dialogue shines through in Fanny's First Play. The characters engage in sharp-tongued exchanges, filled with clever comebacks and biting sarcasm. Each line is carefully constructed to deliver not only comedic value but also thought-provoking insights into the human condition.

The characters themselves are a vibrant mix of archetypes and stereotypes that Shaw skillfully uses to drive his message home. From the pompous intellectual to the passionate activist, each character represents a facet of society, allowing Shaw to explore various social and political issues. Fanny, in particular, stands out as an independent and assertive female character, challenging the prevalent perceptions of women at the time.

While Fanny's First Play may not be as widely known as some of Shaw's other works, it deserves recognition for its clever satire, sharp dialogue, and thought-provoking themes. Shaw seamlessly weaves together comedy and social commentary, creating a captivating and enjoyable reading experience. Fans of Shaw's writing will appreciate the unique and insightful perspective he brings to the theater industry and society as a whole. If you're looking for a play that will make you laugh, reflect, and question the status quo, then Fanny's First Play is the perfect choice.

First Page:

Fanny's First Play, being but a potboiler, needs no preface. But its lesson is not, I am sorry to say, unneeded. Mere morality, or the substitution of custom for conscience was once accounted a shameful and cynical thing: people talked of right and wrong, of honor and dishonor, of sin and grace, of salvation and damnation, not of morality and immorality. The word morality, if we met it in the Bible, would surprise us as much as the word telephone or motor car. Nowadays we do not seem to know that there is any other test of conduct except morality; and the result is that the young had better have their souls awakened by disgrace, capture by the police, and a month's hard labor, than drift along from their cradles to their graves doing what other people do for no other reason than that other people do it, and knowing nothing of good and evil, of courage and cowardice, or indeed anything but how to keep hunger and concupiscence and fashionable dressing within the bounds of good taste except when their excesses can be concealed... Continue reading book >>