| Synopsis: |
Man and Superman is a massive drama full of both light comedy and deep philosophy, based on Nietzsche’s theory of the übermensch, or “superman.” Acts I, II, and IV play as romantic comedy with a bite. Ann Whitefield relentlessly pursues dedicated bachelor Jack Tanner, not giving up until he agrees to marry her. No one really likes Ann, least of all Tanner; she is a selfish bully. But, she is imbued with the “Life Force,” making her charmingly irresistible. The third act of the play is set in Hell, and the lead characters take on the roles from Mozart’s Don Giovanni. They engage in a long philosophical discussion about the eternal conflict between men and women and Heaven and Hell. This act provides the philosophical meaning behind the other three acts, giving the comedy and romance a deeper meaning. However, the play is almost always performed without Act III, which is sometimes performed alone as “Don Juan in Hell.” |