This two-day (May 16-17, 2014) symposium brings together scholars from the US and abroad to consider the literary accomplishments and influence of George Bernard Shaw.

George Bernard Shaw is widely recognized as the second greatest playwright in the English language (after Shakespeare). He is the only person to have received a Nobel Prize for Literature (1925) and an Academy Award (1938). The author of more than 60 plays, he also was an essayist, novelist and short story writer. Nearly all of his writings address prevailing social issues, but in a vein of comedy which makes the themes more accessible. Among the issues he addressed were government, health care, class privilege, religion, education and marriage. His work remains contemporary because many of the important issues address have yet to be resolved.

At this symposium, scholarly talks and Q&A sessions will highlight the playful and serious elements of Shaw‘s work, and foster a deeper understanding of his cultural legacy. 

This event is free and open to the public.  However, registration is required and can be made online.

Symposium Schedule

• Friday, May 16, 2014: 9a – 5p
• Saturday, May 17, 2014: 9a – 12p

For more details, please contact Tony Courier via phone at (312) 587-7390 or email at info@shawchicago.org.

The symposium is a collaboration by ShawChicago, the International Shaw Society, and the Literature and Languages Department at Roosevelt University.

This event is presented as part of The Collaborative City, a program of the Illinois Humanities Council, in partnership with the Chicago Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE).
 

If you need a sign interpreter or require other arrangements to fully participate, please call 312.422.5580 at least 72 hours prior to the event. For parking locations near the facility, please visit ChicagoParkingMap.com.