Saint Joan

STC Saint Joan Sarah Snook - photo by Brett Boardman.jpgSydney Theatre Company brings to life one of history’s greatest heroines, Joan of Arc, in the fast paced and riveting political drama, Saint Joan at the Roslyn Packer Theatre until 30 June 2018.

Joan of Arc is an icon of protest. From the age of twelve, she was convinced she would change the course of history. She did so before her seventeenth birthday. Joan’s faith in herself and in her cause, which inspired an entire army to victory, were both her greatest strength and her downfall.

Joan was radical in her individualism, a young woman leading men into battle, a beacon of light in a shadowy world of medieval establishment. She refused to be put in the box that her world constructed for her, no matter the consequences.

George Bernard Shaw’s dynamic classic is based on the transcripts from Joan’s trial and the extraordinary political impact of her life. Savage’s new, modern reworking of Saint Joan is a stripped-back version of Shaw’s language with additional text by young Australian writer Emme Hoy, which reveals Joan’s conviction, intelligence and fiery charisma.

This Saint Joan, brought to life by the luminous Sarah Snook (The Dressmaker, The Beautiful Lie), places a heroic young woman at the centre of her own story; the true story of Joan’s fight – first for her country, then for her life against the monolithic might of the state, the military and the church.

The men who Joan leaves in her wake are played by a distinguished ensemble of actors including John Gaden (Orlando), Socratis Otto (Wentworth), Anthony Taufa (Cloud Nine), Brandon McClelland (The Present) and William Zappa (Arms and the Man).

STC Resident Director Imara Savage is a directing graduate of the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA), and University of Technology, Sydney. Previously with STC she has directed Caryl Churchill’s Top Girls, Colm Tóibín’s The Testament of Mary, Moira Buffini’s Dinner, Noel Coward’s Hay Fever, Andrew Bovell’s After Dinner and Sophie Treadwell’s Machinal. He has worked as an Assistant Director on Fury, Pygmalion, Like a Fishbone, The Mysteries: Genesis and The Wonderful World of Dissocia.

Director: Imara Savage Featuring: Gareth Davies, John Gaden, Brandon McClelland, Sean O’Shea, Socratis Otto, Sarah Snook, Anthony Taufa, David Whitney, William Zappa Set Designer: David Fleischer Costume Designer: Renée Mulder Lighting Designer: Nick Schlieper Composer & Sound Designer: Max Lyandvert Additional Text: Imara Savage, Emme Hoy Assistant Director: Clemence Williams

Saint Joan
Roslyn Packer Theatre, Hickson Road, Walsh Bay (Sydney)
Season continues to 30 June 2018
Information and Bookings: www.sydneytheatre.com.au

Image: Sarah Snook as Joan of Arc – photo by Brett Boardman