Marching to a different beat
FOLLOWING a sparkling revival of George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion at the Abbey in 2011, the national theatre this month stages another Shaw classic, Major Barbara. The biting social satire centres on the clash of ideals between a Salvation Army major (Clare Dunne) and her irascible arms-dealing father (Paul McGann). It commences an eight-week run in the national theatre this Wednesday.
A key ingredient in the new production will be Dublin composer Philip Stewart’s score and sound design. Aptly, Stewart has salvaged melodies and hymnals from the traditional Songbook of the Salvation Army. A number of them were recently recorded with a 60-strong choir in St Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin. Meanwhile, the show itself will feature live playing by members of the cast.
