The Serbo-Bulgarian War of 1885 is raging and Raina (Andrea Demetriades) is engaged to the gallant war hero Sergius (Charlie Cousins). However when a fugitive Swiss soldier, Bluntschili (Mitchell Butel) lands in Raina’s bedroom, and threatens to shoot if she gives the alarm, she keeps quiet and takes him under her wing. It’s not long before the two become close, and the engagement is jeopardised.
First performed in 1894, George Bernard Shaw’s comedy Arms and the Man takes its title from the opening line of Virgil’s Aeneid. Much like Virgil’s protagonist Aneneas, Shaw’s Swiss officer wanders away from defeat, but the epic is subverted with Bluntscheli’s verbal dexterity and wit.
Type of Event: Theatre
Venue: Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point
Sydney NSW 2000
Date: 14 September to 31 October 2015
Price: from $58
Website: Sydney Theatre Company
Telephone: (02) 9250 1777
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