'Saint Joan' by George Bernard Shaw

Photography by Trin Carl

Leadership isn't what it's cracked up to be.

Saint Joan would be saying if alive today. Saint Joan by George Bernard Shaw is directed by Ben Shaw, produced by The Orchard Theatre Collective, playing at Plymouth Congregational Church in Minneapolis, showing through March 21st.

The play takes us back to 15th century France, amidst the Hundred Years’ War against England.  It follows Saint Joan, a country girl, who changed history. Joan (Annie Schieferl) calls herself Jehanne la Pucelle or Joan the Maid.  "There’s something about her," says a patron.

They could also be talking about the actress who portrays her, Annie Schiferl is a proud graduate of the University of Minnesota/Guthrie training program. She played Antonia in My Antonia at Illusion theater. Joan is often kneeling to pray. There's a memorable scene of her sitting during the trial with her hands tied together as she's questioned by John d’Estivet. “You were found lying in the moat. Why did you leave the tower?”  She responded with, “Why would anybody leave a prison if they could get out?”  In another scene, she says “Oh, squire! Your head is all circled with light, like a saint’s.” The squire is batting the space above his head as if there are bees swarming. Joan’s steadiness of speech and positivity is alarmingly sincere given the circumstance. The audience will relate to that one overtly religious person who’s always praying.

Photo by Trin Carl

I had a chat with Lucinda Holshue, who was sitting in the audience.  She is a senior lecturer for the University of Minnesota/Guthrie Theater and teaches voice and couldn’t be more proud that night to see many of her students performing. 

Actor Craig Johnson is a standout.  He plays the warwick, inquisitor, La Hire, Robert, and the Duchess. In many scenes he gives advice or condemns the king,“We are asking for the Bishop’s opinion, Monsieur John.” He takes a sip of tea and looks back at childlike Monsieur John and then at the bishop, encouraging him to continue. This gets a laugh.

photo by Trin Carl

The set is sparse except for the exquisite red carpets and red upholstered chairs in the chapel The seating is set up in a u-shape, giving the audience an opportunity to change seats during intermission as a section of chairs is removed so actors can quickly leave during climatic scenes.  Sound effects are surprisingly eerie. The clanging of a ship at sea is memorable as well as religious chanting.  The actors often sit among the patrons which creates an immersive experience. The king sits next to an audience member and later gets up and speaks a line of outrage, this surprises a patron to say the least.

This production is sure to make you think of Saint Joan in a different light. I personally don't believe in war. But if I was going to be swayed, Annie Schiferl, and this Saint Joan might be the ones to do it.

Tickets at https://orchard-theater-collective.ticketleap.com/saint-joan/