Andrew Undershaft, a wealthy arms manufacturer, debates the morality of his profession with his estranged daughter Barbara, a Salvation Army officer, and her dim-witted fiancé Lomax. Undershaft provocatively defends his 'religion' of gunpowder and destruction against their traditional Christian and social values.
UNDERSHAFT: One moment, Mr Lomax. I am rather interested in the Salvation Army. Its motto might be my own: Blood and Fire.
LOMAX: But not your sort of blood and fire, you know.
UNDERSHAFT: My sort of blood cleanses: my sort of fire purifies.
BARBARA: So do ours. Come down to-morrow to my shelter–the West Ham shelter–and see what we’re doing. We’re going to…
LOM…
Format: Scene · Genre: Comedy-Drama · Source: Major Barbara · Author: George Bernard Shaw · Characters: Undershaft, Lomax, Barbara, Lady Britomart
This compelling group scene, "The Blood and Fire Debate," from George Bernard Shaw's Major Barbara, plunges into a high-stakes family confrontation centered on morality and wealth. A powerful, wealthy arms manufacturer, Undershaft, provocatively challenges the traditional values of his estranged daughter Barbara, a dedicated Salvation Army officer, and her well-meaning but naive fiancé, Lomax. The exchange is rich with intellectual sparring and personal conviction, as Undershaft defends his controversial profession against their ingrained religious and social standards.
Undershaft embodies the patriarch and authority figure, a brilliant, cynical, and commanding individual who is entirely unapologetic about his business and its implications. Barbara is the formidable ingenue, fiercely committed to her faith and humanitarian work, representing earnest idealism and deeply held convictions. Lomax serves as comic relief, a well-intentioned but slow-witted character whose interjections often highlight the absurdity of the situation or misunderstand the deeper philosophical arguments. Lady Britomart, though she speaks only briefly at the end of the provided text, is the matriarch, a strong-willed, upper-class woman who seeks to control the family dynamics.
This scene is excellent for auditions due to its powerful, thought-provoking dialogue and the distinct, well-defined character arcs, making it suitable for a range of ages and casting types. It offers actors the opportunity to showcase intellectual depth, comedic timing, and emotional conviction within a strong ensemble piece. The clear conflicts between morality, capitalism, and religion provide rich dramatic opportunities for actors to explore complex motivations in a concise timeframe. The scene's classical period and powerful tone allow for a display of heightened language and dramatic presence, while the group format demonstrates an actor's ability to listen and react within a dynamic conversation.
This scene is ideally suited for actors auditioning for drama school, participating in general practice sessions, or performing in an agent showcase. It is particularly effective for those who can portray a wide age range, as the characters span from young adults to more mature authority figures. Actors comfortable with classical text, powerful rhetoric, and roles requiring a blend of gravitas and wit will find this scene a strong vehicle for their talents. It is especially apt for actors targeting casting types such as patriarchal figures, ingenues, or those specializing in comic relief with an upper-class sensibility.
When tackling this scene, focus on the inherent power dynamics and contrasting philosophies of each character. For Undershaft, embrace his intellectual prowess and unwavering confidence, allowing his arguments to resonate with provocative conviction. Barbara should convey her deep-seated moral conviction and passion for her work, presenting a strong counterpoint to her father's worldview. For Lomax, lean into his endearing cluelessness and well-meaning but often misplaced interjections, ensuring his comic relief doesn't undermine the scene's gravitas. Pay close attention to Shaw's rhythmic dialogue and the subtext of each line, using pauses and vocal variations to underline the characters' intentions and emotional states.