Saint Joan

Playwright George Bernard Shaw's "Saint Joan" explores the life of Joan of Arc, who led soldiers in battle and was persecuted by representatives of the Catholic Church in the 15th century.

Director Christian O'Neill has crafted a tense and powerful production about a woman who challenged beliefs about religion and gender roles.

When the show opens, Joan (Rain Blair Jolicouer) is a modest peasant girl who has her sights set on aiding the French army in their battle against the British.

Joan shaves her head and tells everyone she hears voices from God. She claims to have seen the images of Saint Michael, Saint Catherine, and Saint Michael.

Joan truly believes she is doing what God intends, describing herself at one point as "an angel dressed as a soldier."

She counsels the weak and vain Dauphin, Charles VII (Galen Auer), telling him the voices have told her to help him become a true king by rallying his troops and driving out the English occupiers, thereby restoring France to greatness.

Branded a heretic by the Earl of Warwick, Joan is put on trial and burned at the stake.

Jolicouer exhibits tremendous charisma and passionate fury as Joan defends her beliefs and stands tall against the church officials who are bent on her destruction.

Nicholas Andersen is solid as Joan's trusted commander and best friend Dunois. David Adams Murphy brings a lot of zany personality to the Earl of Warwick. Jason Walker has a memorable turn as the tormented cleric Stogumber. Roger MacDonald is excellent as Brother Martin Ladvenu, who is sympathetic to Joan and tries to offer her redemption.

Shaw's dialogue is richly textured and captures the hysteria of the clergy in a series of extended monologues. My only complaint is the show's length. At nearly 3 hours, the same points are made over and over. Sometimes, less is more.

Pat Ferron and O'Neill's scenic design and Roy Laurent's lighting immerse us into this dangerous world of scheming despots and demagogues.

"Saint Joan" is about the individual fighting the power of an institution. Joan wasn't living up to the image women were expected to have in society. They weren't supposed to be warriors and they weren't supposed to defy the expectations of men. Joan was a revolutionary and threatened the status quo. That made her a very dangerous woman who needed to be silenced to protect the church's dogma.

The play concludes with a haunting epilogue set 25 years after her execution. Joan has been cleared of heresy in a new trial. Her valor in battle has been vindicated. In a poignant admission, she laments that mankind will never be able to accept its saints.

The outstanding work by the creative team behind RISE's production has resulted in an entertainment which is provocative and deeply moving.

And judging by her unforgettable work here, Jolicouer may have a long stage career ahead.

"Saint Joan" runs through March 31. RISE Playhouse. 142 Clinton St., Woonsocket, RI. For tickets, visit www.ristage.org