March 13th, 1922
George Bernard Shaw’s “Back to Methuselah V” premiered in New York on February 27, 1922. “Back to Methuselah” is not a single play but rather a series of five plays written by Shaw, which together make up a massive philosophical exploration spanning from the Garden of Eden to the far future. The work is subtitled “A Metabiological Pentateuch” and deals with themes of longevity, creative evolution, and the potential future of humanity.
The five parts of “Back to Methuselah” are:
- In the Beginning: B.C. 4004 (In the Garden of Eden)
- The Gospel of the Brothers Barnabas: Present Day
- The Thing Happens: A.D. 2170
- Tragedy of an Elderly Gentleman: A.D. 3000
- As Far as Thought Can Reach: A.D. 31,920
Each part explores different aspects of Shaw’s ideas about evolution and the self-determination of humanity over time, advocating for a conscious effort to extend human life spans and improve the quality of those extended lives through wisdom and ethical development.
The New York premiere of “Back to Methuselah” was a significant event, introducing American audiences to Shaw’s ambitious and complex vision of humanity’s potential evolution. Shaw was a prominent figure in 20th-century literature, known not only for his plays but also for his social commentary and involvement in various causes, including the promotion of the simplification of the English spelling system, vegetarianism, and women’s rights. “Back to Methuselah” remains one of his more challenging works, demanding a lot from its audiences and readers in terms of its breadth, depth, and philosophical content.
