National Theatre Live: Man and Superman(2015)
About National Theatre Live: Man and Superman
Academy Award® nominee Ralph Fiennes (The English Patient, Schindler’s List, Oedipus at the National Theatre) plays Jack Tanner in this exhilarating reinvention of Shaw’s witty, provocative classic. Jack Tanner, celebrated radical thinker and rich bachelor, seems an unlikely choice as guardian to the alluring heiress, Ann. But she takes it in her assured stride and, despite the love of a poet, she decides to marry and tame this dazzling revolutionary. Tanner, appalled by the whiff of domesticity, is tipped off by his chauffeur and flees to Spain, where he is captured by bandits and meets The Devil. An extraordinary dream-debate, heaven versus hell, ensues. Following in hot pursuit, Ann is there when Tanner awakes, as fierce in her certainty as he is in his. A romantic comedy, an epic fairytale, a fiery philosophical debate, Man and Superman asks fundamental questions about how we live.
National Theatre Live’s 2015 presentation of Man and Superman arrives as a vibrant testament to the enduring power of George Bernard Shaw’s sharp wit and profound social commentary. Ralph Fiennes, a performer whose gravitas is as undeniable on stage as it is on screen, embodies Jack Tanner, a figure who embodies intellectual rebellion and a bachelorhood fiercely defended. The narrative unfurls with Ann, the object of Tanner's reluctant guardianship, proving to be a force of nature in her own right, an heiress who disdains conventional romance and sets her sights on a decidedly unconventional union. The play promises a journey that takes an unexpected turn, catapulting Tanner from the perceived shackles of domesticity into a surreal encounter with the very essence of temptation and consequence, a realm where the eternal battle between earthly desires and spiritual aspirations is laid bare.
This production is particularly compelling for audiences drawn to theatre that actively engages with philosophical inquiry wrapped in sparkling dialogue. Shaw’s ability to dissect societal norms and the complexities of human relationships through a lens of humour and intellectual rigor is a hallmark of his work, and this staging appears to capture that essence with aplomb. Viewers who appreciate theatrical explorations of free will, the nature of love, and the societal pressures that shape our choices will find much to ponder. The inclusion of Fiennes, a seasoned interpreter of complex dramatic roles, lends significant weight to the production, suggesting a performance that is both nuanced and commanding.
Man and Superman transcends simple genre classification, weaving together elements of romantic comedy, philosophical debate, and even a touch of the fantastical. It’s a work that dares to ask fundamental questions about the purpose of existence and the choices we make in pursuit of our desires. For those who relish theatre that provokes thought and conversation long after the curtain falls, this National Theatre Live recording offers a compelling window into a theatrical masterpiece, showcasing a celebrated cast and a director’s vision that seeks to breathe new life into a classic text for a contemporary audience.
Cast(18)
