George Bernard Shaw's Pygmalion premiered to audiences in 1913 and was an instant sensation. It introduced Eliza Doolittle as the common flower girl plucked from obscurity by phonetics teacher Henry Higgins, who attempts to elevate her into high society. What follows is a sharp critique on poverty, inequality and the rigid British class system of the Edwardian age, as Eliza gains her independence despite Higgins' indifference and disregard.
This text includes Shaw's original ending: while many have sought to rewrite Pygmalion with a more satisfying conclusion, Shaw rebuffed any rewrites to give a 'happier ending' as 'damnable.' It remains Shaw's most popular play and has produced countless adaptations for stage and screen.