If "Saint Joan" can be set aside as the best Joan, then "Heartbreak House" becomes the best Shaw. The Copley Players of the Boston Repertory Association have given "Heartbreak House" their best and the total result is a thoroughly enjoyable feast.

"Heartbreak House" was written during the first World War when Shaw was in a particularly pessimistic frame of mind and admittedly inspired by Chekov's "The Cherry Orchard." Heartbreak House is built in the likeness of a ship and the ship is England, which Shaw saw as headed for the rocks. In "The Cherry Orchard" there is the hope that when the forest is cleared there will be a better world. There isn't this hope in "Heartbreak House." It ends with its people realizing themselves and crying out for annihilation. The meaning of this conclusion is not clear to me but the main points of Shaw's best remarks are directed at the evils of a capitalistic society, and they are clearer today than then when he wrote them.

The character of Captain Shotover was a remarkable bit of prophecy by Shaw. Shotover is a man in his 'dotage,' past much use to society save as a deflater of current heroes and notions, but still with his wits very much about him. Shotover is Shaw. The Copley people have seen this, and have had Philip Bourneuf, who plays Shotover, made-up as an amazing facsimile of G.B.S. Seeing and hearing the wise and pungent comments come out of the familiar countenance gives them an additional kick. Mr. Bourneuf is not new to Shaw, having appeared in "Androcles and the Lion" on Broadway two years ago. He skits up and down his poop deck, pausing only long enough to snap his verbal whip.

The prominent Broadway actress, Mady Christians, has joined the repertory group for this play, so that she might be Hesione Hushabye. (Both Miss Christians and Mr. Bourneuf, it might be noted, have volunteered their services at the same salary and billing as that of the permanent group, and exceedingly rare occurrence for stars of their standing.) It's been a long time since Miss Christians has been seen in a comedy but she has certainly not lost her touch. In a role that calls for a middle-aged siren, Miss Christians roars about the stage letting loose all that energy she was storing up during the long run of "I Remember Mana." This is not to say she overacts. She makes the most of her opportunities, but not at the expense of her fellow players who prove, anyhow, that they can look out for themselves. Althea Murphy as Ellic Dunn, Robert Harris as Boss Mangan, and Michael Sivy as the burglar are especially good. Polly Rowles' Lady Utterwood gets into the right stride in the third act.

The direction seemed a little weak on opening night but the director, Gerald Savory, had been somewhat hampered by what looks like an unnecessarily small set for Acts One and Two. Things run smoother in Act Three. The play has not been cut.

The Copley Players have given in their second presentation, confirmation of the word that Boston has a really expert professional repertory group in its midst. Of course, such a group can only be successful if it has good audiences. To encourage this, the directors have scaled seats from $2.70 to 60 cents. Students with special cards (which can be obtained at the CRIMSON office) can get a 30 percent discount. This means you can see live actors, in an extremely lively and intelligent play, for 45 cents. As "Heartbreak House" is scheduled to close, tomorrow night, this will give you only time to see it twice--not a bad idea.