George Bernard Shaw’s controversial “Major Barbara,” directed by Nancy Simon, addresses unending issues concerning faith, morality and its relation to poverty.     The play centers around Major Barbara Undershaft, an officer of the Salvation Army in 1906, and her disillusionment regarding the corruption of Christian leaders to accept money from armament manufacturers.   Barbara Undershaft’s rejection of her world of affluence to provide charity and faith for the poor is challenged by her estranged father, a man who made millions selling ammunition.

Junior Kristan Brown plays Major Barbara. She describes the play as an exploration of “the true meaning of morality.”

“[The play is] witty and clever: a lot of fun!” said senior Kaitlin Phillips.

What made the production of this play truly unique was the return of Whitman alumnus (’77) and celebrated actor Mark Chamberlin, who was invited back to play Major Barbara’s estranged father, Andrew Undershaft.

“Mark was great!” said Kaitlin Phillips. “He’s really fun to work with and he definitely went out of his way to act as a kind of mentor to all of us.   It was a really enlightening experience, working with a professional actor.”

Major Barbara will be playing at Harper Joy Theatre Thursday, Feb. 28 through Sunday, March 2.