Ever wondered what would happen if a royal princess got bored and decided to stir up international drama for fun? That’s the spark of Bernard Shaw’s short, sharp play, The Inca of Perusalem.

The Story

The plot is deceptively simple. Princess Ermyntrude, stuck in a dull European court, learns about the powerful and famously vain Inca of Perusalem. On a whim, she pretends to be a mysterious, alluring woman and arranges a meeting with him. The Inca, who is clearly a parody of Germany’s Kaiser Wilhelm II, is obsessed with his own image and destiny. The "comedietta" unfolds as a battle of wits between the clever, mocking princess and the pompous, self-important ruler. It’s a verbal chess game where class, gender, and the illusions of power are all fair game. The ending is pure Shavian mischief—less about grand resolution and more about leaving the powerful looking a bit foolish.

Why You Should Read It

Don’t let the short length fool you. This play packs a punch. Shaw wrote this in 1915, with the Great War raging, and his frustration and satire are baked into every line. It’s fascinating to see him use comedy to dissect the kind of arrogant leadership that led to global conflict. Princess Ermyntrude is a fantastic character—she’s witty, subversive, and uses her brains to destabilize a man who thinks he controls the world. The dialogue is classic Shaw: fast, funny, and layered with meaning. You’ll find yourself rereading lines just to catch another clever dig.

Final Verdict

This is a perfect bite-sized piece for anyone curious about Shaw but intimidated by his longer works. It’s also a treat for history fans who enjoy seeing real-world figures lampooned with intelligence. If you like sharp political satire, clever dialogue, and stories where a smart woman outwits a powerful man, you’ll get a kick out of this. Think of it as a historical espresso shot—small, strong, and wonderfully stimulating.