SAINT JOAN by George Bernard Shaw Directed by Paul Mason Barnes
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2008—2009 SEASON SAINT JOAN by George Bernard Shaw Directed by Paul Mason Barnes CONTENTS 2 The 411 3 A/S/L & RMAI 4 FYI 5 HTH 6 F2F 8 B4U 9 RBTL 10 IRL 12 SWDYT? Major Sponsor: MISSOURI ARTS COUNCIL At The Rep, we know MIHYAP: Top Ten Ways to that life moves Stay Connected at The Rep fast—okay, really 10. TBA Ushers will seat your school or class as a group, fast. But we also so even if you are dying to mingle with the group from the know that some all girls school that just walked in the door, stick with your things are worth friends until you have been shown your section in the theatre. slowing down for. We believe that live theatre is one of those pit stops worth making and are excited that you 9. SITD The house lights will dim immediately before the performance begins and then go dark. Fight off that oh-so- are going to stop by for a show. To help you get the most immature urge to whisper, giggle like a grade schooler or yell bang for your buck, we have put together WU? @ THE at this time and during any other blackouts in the show. REP—an IM guide that will give you everything you need to know to get at the top of your theatergoing game—fast. 8. SED Before the performance begins, turn off all cell You’ll find character descriptions (A/S/L), a plot summary phones, pagers, beepers and watch alarms. If you need to (FYI), biographical information on the playwright (F2F), text, talk or dial back during intermission, please make sure historical context (B4U), and other bits and pieces (HTH). to click off before the show resumes. Most importantly, we’ll have some ideas about what this all 7. TMI Not to sound like your mom, but “if you need to go means IRL, anyway. now, you needed to go then.” Leaving the theatre during the performance is disruptive, so take care of any personal needs before the show starts. 6. RTM When you arrive at the theatre, read the production program. It’s like a deluxe version of liner notes and a free souvenir, all in one. 5. P-ZA? NW! Though your ability to eat ten slices at one sitting may impress your friends, no one wants to listen to The Teacher’s you chew, slurp or smack, so please leave all food, drink and Lounge gum outside the theatre. In an effort to make our 4. TLK-2-U-L8R We know that you will be dying to educational materials more discuss what you see onstage with your friends, but please wait until intermission. Any talking—even whispering—is accessible to students and easier for very distracting for both the actors onstage and the audience educators to incorporate into the class- seated around you. room, our study guide is written in a student-oriented format. We hope that you will circulate this guide among 3. LOL Without you, we really wouldn’t have a show. It’s your students in the weeks preceding your visit to The your job to laugh when a scene is funny or maybe even shed Rep, encouraging them to browse it before and after class a tear or two in a tender moment. However, since you are not and as time allows, using it as a launch point for both the audience at The Jerry Springer Show please refrain from inappropriate responses such as talking, whistling, making pre- and post-performance discussions.You may also catcalls or singing along with the performers. want to visit our website, www.repstl.org, for additional information including educational games, activity 2. SOP While it’s great that you want a celeb picture of suggestions and behind-the-scenes information. Any your day at The Rep, the theatre is off-limits to the paparazzi. materials, either from this guide or from our website may Flash photography interrupts the performance and along with be reproduced for use in the classroom. As always, videorecording is prohibited by Actors Equity rules. You can we appreciate your making live theatre sneak a peek at production photos on our website, www.repstl.org. a part of your classroom experience and welcome your feedback and 1. LLTA Let the actors know that you respect their work by questions. remaining for the curtain call at the end of the performance. Show your appreciation through applause. Show Me Standards: CA 2, 3, 5, 7; FA 2, 3, 4, 5; SS 2, 3, 5, 6, and Illinois Learning Standards: 1, 2, 5, 14, 15, 17, 18, 25, 27. With relentless faith, courage and strength, Though a skilled military man, DUNOIS JOAN leads France to victory against the (also known as the BASTARD OF English. Her tendency to dress as a man (in ORLEANS) is stuck in a rut before he meets soldier’s garb) and speak directly to God Joan. With her spirit and tenacity, he is through voices only she can hear, make her able to rise to new heights of victory on the the object of jealousy and suspicion to men battlefield. in power around her. CHAPLAIN DE STOGUMBER, an The first to recognize that there’s something Englishman with wounded pride at the hands different about Joan, ROBERT DE of French defeat, demands the church take BAUDRICOURT (a military squire) sends action against the witch who “unfairly” what he believes to be a crazy lady off to defeated the English. inspire the Dauphin to action. Another one of the many who lust for A devout man of the Church, the ARCH- Joan’s untimely demise, RICHARD DE BISHOP OF RHEIMS serves as Joan’s first BEAUCHAMP (also known as the EARL supporter, though he later turns against her. OF WARWICK) wishes to personally attend A jealous military man, CAPTAIN LA HIRE not only to her excommunication, but also questions Joan’s tactics, voices and faith as to her death. she leads the French to victory. A man of intellect as well as of devout Always up for a joke or a gag, GILLES DE faith, PETER CAUCHON, BISHOP OF RAIS (also known as BLUEBEARD) is a BEAUVAIS sees certain wonderment in rebellious member of the Dauphin’s court. Joan. He strives until the very end to save Joan’s soul, calling upon her to denounce her THE DAUPHIN (also known as CHARLES), actions and her alleged voices. a man of slight ambition with a hatred for fighting, comes to kingship and true Rolling into town for Joan’s final trial, inspiration through Joan, his believed patron THE INQUISITOR sets forth an objective saint. voice to give Joan a fair trial. READ MORE ABOUT IT Twain, Mark. Joan of eye witness accounts and court DVD starring Leelee Sobieski and Arc. Ignatius Press. reports, this book gives you a Neil Patrick Harris. 1989. Did you find window into the heart and mind http://www.maidofheaven. the play inspiring? of the real Saint Joan. com/joanofarc_saint_joan. Want to know more Joan of Arc, 146 minutes, asp Want to know more about about Joan? Check Image Entertainment, 1949. Saint Joan? Check of this website out one of Mark Twain’s After seeing the play, check out which includes in-depth analysis greatest works, a brave Victor Fleming’s award-winning and the play in its entirety! biography of Joan of Arc, told film adaptation of the play, in a way that only one of the http://www.newadvent.org/ starring Ingrid Bergman. greatest storytellers of all time cathen/08409c.htm Check out could do. Joan of Arc, 180 minutes, Lions the Catholic Encyclopedia online Gate, 1999. While there’s a lot for more information on Saint Trask, Willard. Joan of Arc: In of older stuff out there, Joan still Joan and other prominent figures Her Own Words. Turtle Point lives in today’s popular culture. in the Catholic Church. Press. 2004. Ripped directly from Check out the 1999 TV series on 3 AS SAINT JOAN begins, MEANWHILE, at home, France is in disarray at the Joan is celebrated by the hands of English occupation. common people of France for Poverty seems to be striking her efforts, but criticized by everyone (up to the king), the court as overly ambitious and morality is at an all and full of pride. She insists time low. Amid the turmoil, on pushing toward achieving a strange young girl who France’s full unification and dresses as a man and hears freedom by winning Paris. voices, Joan of Arc, provides Dunois, the King and the a glimmer of hope and Archbishop all advise Joan inspiration with her inner not to attempt to liberate fire and a plan to win a Paris, and despite all of the decisive battle at Orleans. good she’s done for France, they refuse to assist her in AFTER MEETING with the the event that she fails. Dauphin (soon to be king of France, Charles) and passing AS PREDICTED, Joan’s a series of tests (including attempts to take Paris are the skepticism of the foiled, and the English Archbishop), Joan is sent to Orleans. Though capture her. Though she stands as a prisoner no one takes her seriously (including the of war, she is held by the English for the sharp military mind, Dunois), Joan will not Church, and is to stand trial for heresy. As be denied victory in Orleans. Leading a bold Warwick lusts for blood, Cauchon and the and seemingly stupid charge, she surprises Inquisitor take special care to offer Joan everyone in taking Orleans back for the a swift and fair trial.