Lady Britomart attempts to convince her son, Stephen, that she must ask his estranged father, Andrew, for more money to support his sisters. Stephen vehemently opposes the idea, leading to a tense discussion about family pride and financial necessity, culminating in Lady Britomart revealing she has already invited Andrew.
LADY BRITOMART. Certainly not: the money is settled. But he provided it. So you see it is not a question of taking money from him or not: it is simply a question of how much. I don’t want any more for myself.
STEPHEN. Nor do I.
LADY BRITOMART. But Sarah does; and Barbara does. That is, Charles Lomax and Adolphus Cusins will cost them more. So I must put my…
ST…
Format: Duologue · Genre: Comedy-Drama · Source: Major Barbara · Author: George Bernard Shaw · Characters: LADY BRITOMART, STEPHEN
This compelling duologue, Act II — Lady Britomart and Stephen Discuss Andrew, from George Bernard Shaw's "Major Barbara," presents a mother-son dynamic charged with familial tension and financial necessity. Lady Britomart, a formidable matriarch, attempts to persuade her son, Stephen, that appealing to his estranged father for money is essential for his sisters' futures. The scene builds expertly to a revealing climax where Lady Britomart unveils her true intentions, having already set wheels in motion.
Lady Britomart is a masterful manipulator, cloaking her determined resolve in requests for advice and feigned resignation. She embodies the "Matriarch" and "Authority Figure" casting types, driven by a deep-seated belief in her methods, even if they involve navigating uncomfortable family dynamics. Stephen, on the other hand, represents the "Young Professional" and "Dramatic" types, initially resolute in his pride and opposition. His eventual, overwhelmed reaction showcases his "Vulnerable" side, highlighting the power imbalance within their relationship.
This scene is a fantastic choice for auditions due to its clear dramatic arc and intense, yet comedic undertones. It allows both actors to showcase a significant range, moving from subtle negotiation and stubborn resistance to palpable shock and ultimate resignation. The well-defined objectives and obstacles for each character provide ample opportunity for nuanced performance and demonstrate an actor's ability to engage in a complex, high-stakes dialogue.
This duologue is exceptionally well-suited for actors in the 45-55 age range, particularly those seeking material for drama school auditions, self-tapes, or general practice. It's ideal for performers capable of portraying strong, intelligent characters navigating intricate family relationships. The "modern-classic" period allows for a performance that is both grounded in realism and elevated by Shaw's distinctive dialogue, making it accessible and engaging for various casting directors.
When tackling this scene, focus on the subtext beneath the polite and often terse dialogue. For Lady Britomart, consider the strategic pauses and the underlying determination driving her every line. For Stephen, explore his internal conflict between filial loyalty, personal pride, and eventual defeat. Pay close attention to Shaw's stage directions; they provide invaluable clues to the characters' states of mind and physical reactions, which are crucial for building the scene's intensity and comedic payoff.