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Gordon Tanner (left), Seana McKenna and Arne Macpherson in Mrs. Warren’s Profession (LEIF NORMAN)

Shaw’s tale of Victorian scandal still rings true in the 21st century

George Bernard Shaw’s 1893 play Mrs. Warren’s Profession might not seem as scandalous as it did a century ago, when it was banned by Britain’s Lord Chamberlain, but its ideas on persuasion, parenthood, poverty and prostitution still pack a punch 119 years later.

The story centres on Mrs. Kitty Warren (Seana McKenna), a brothel owner, and her Cambridge-educated daughter, Vivie. Upon returning home post-graduation, Vivie (played by former Winnipegger Cherissa Richards) is shocked to learn that her mother’s wealth was made in the world of whoredom.

It’s not Kitty’s career that made Shaw’s play so infamous (the script doesn’t even explicitly state her occupation), it’s the fact she has no shame. After all, she’s managed to pull herself from poverty and pay for her daughter’s education. Sure, prostitution is immoral, but it exists, a fact that won’t change if Mrs. Warren quits the brothel business. Why live in squalor when you can sell it?

That being said, Shaw presents a balanced opinion of Kitty’s occupation and Vivie is the counterpoint. She’s absolutely disgusted by her mom’s vocation and the fact that it’s paid for her existence thus far. She’d rather live a life in hell than one connected to harlotry.

Still, Vivie is not without her own controversial attributes. A century ago, the idea of an independent working woman was a notorious notion, but here she is, determined to go her own way, unwilling to simply inherit her mother'’ wealth. Of course, Vivie’s complete rejection of the fruits of the family business doesn’t sit well with Kitty, especially in a time when kids were expected to respect their parents’ wishes. This is probably the play’s biggest point of relevance. Who can’t relate to Vivie’s need for personal freedom her desire to not be like her parent?

Speaking of significance, Shaw’s script is still just as smart and witty today.

Adding levity are Mrs. Warren’s Profession’s four male roles, played by Tom Keenan, Stephen Russell, Arne MacPherson and Gordon Tanner. An aging Sir George Croft (MacPherson) makes his case for marriage to Vivie by reassuring her that he "shan’t live forever." What an awesome pickup line.

However, Mrs. Warren’s Profession also contains a few too many lines by today’s standards. As full of good ideas as they might be, Shaw’s long, wordy speeches are difficult to digest. And, for all its opinions, nothing much happens in the play. Throw in a good dose of English stiffness and you’ve got a recipe for boredom, not whoredom.

Still, the performances are great (especially McKenna), the script is smart and the ideas, while not so shocking, hold up just fine. Just opt for coffee and not alcohol pre-play.

For more reviews of ShawFest plays, visit www.uptownmag.com.