Arms and the Man

Arms and the Man, first performed in 1894, is a witty anti-romantic comedy by George Bernard Shaw. Set during the Serbo-Bulgarian War, it satirizes the glorification of military heroism and romantic ideals. The pragmatic Swiss mercenary Captain Bluntschli contrasts sharply with the conventional notions of bravery and love held by the other characters. Through sharp dialogue and ironic humor, Shaw critiques societal pretensions, revealing deeper truths about human nature. The play remains a lively and incisive classic of modern theatre.