'Shaw's refusal to moralise about the sex trade, only about the system that supports it, provides the play with its dramatic tension and surprising modernity.' Guardian Shaw's 1893 play centres on the mother and daughter relationship between Kitty Warren and her Cambridge-educated daughter, Vivie, who is currently enjoying a comfortable and financially untroubled life. Kitty's own upbringing was far from easy, however, and meant that she eventually had to make money through prostitution and then through the management of several brothels. When Vivie discovers that her mother brought her up and funded Vivie's Cambridge education on the money made from these pursuits, she is horrified and can barely cope. What's more, Vivie discovers that her mother's brothels are still in operation. Students will find a wealth of information in this text to guide their studies: an extended introduction exploring the theatrical and historical context, critical reactions, background on the author, and stage history. It also includes Shaw's original Preface, and the play itself contains numerous notes and explanations throughout to aid students' understanding.

Mrs Warren's Profession found its way onto the stage amidst much censorship, and police and public outcry. This book serves as an authoritative student edition to guide exams and essays.

About the Author
Brad Kent is Associate Professor of British and Irish Literatures at Universite Laval in Quebec City and the programme director for the International Shaw Society's annual colloquium series at the Shaw Festival in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Canada. He has published widely on Bernard Shaw, Irish Literature, and the cultural politics of censorship.

Reviews
Banned for over 30 years, this cautionary tale ruthlessly dissects Victorian family relationships in all its uncompromising forms voyeuristically witnessing breathtaking snobbery, arrogance, attitudes to lower classes and an unsavoury disposition to money and status... In a world where perception, morality, money and status form the basis of how society frames itself Mrs Warren's Profession is a caustic, revelatory tale of dysfunction. -- Jackie Cobham * Daily Telegraph *
The real pleasure of Shaw's play...is just how modern it can feel, whether it is pricking the balloon of morality or hypocrisy -- Lyn Gardner * Guardian *



Book Information
ISBN 9780713679946
Author Brad Kent
Format Paperback
Page Count 224
Imprint Methuen Drama
Publisher Bloomsbury Publishing PLC
Weight(grams) 197g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 14mm