About this book
George Bernard Shaw's Don Juan in Hell is a dazzling philosophical comedy that reimagines Mozart's legendary seducer in the afterlife. Originally an excerpt from Shaw's full-length play Man and Superman, this witty drama has become a celebrated standalone piece that proves ideas can be just as thrilling as action.
When Don Juan finds himself in Hell alongside Dona Ana and her father—the Commendatore's statue—an unexpected gathering unfolds. Joined by the Devil himself, these characters engage in sparkling debate about Heaven, Hell, love, marriage, and the eternal battle between the sexes. Far from damnation, Hell becomes a salon where philosophy flourishes and conventional morality gets delightfully upended.
Shaw infuses classical mythology with modern skepticism and sharp social commentary, creating a work that entertains while challenging every assumption about desire, duty, and destiny. The dialogue crackles with intelligence and humor, moving effortlessly between serious metaphysical questions and comedic absurdity. Rather than merely retelling a famous tale, Shaw transforms his source material into a meditation on human nature and the choices that define our eternal fate.
Perfect for listeners who appreciate witty, intellectually stimulating drama and those drawn to classic literature that still feels provocatively relevant, Don Juan in Hell offers theatrical brilliance wrapped in philosophical depth.
