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Saint Joan: A Chronicle Play in Six Scenes and an Epilogue Audiobook
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(3.01) - 2,884 listener ratings
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Publisher Description
“Joan of Arc, a village girl from the Vosges, was born about 1412—burnt for heresy, witchcraft, and sorcery in 1431—rehabilitated after a fashion in 1456—designated Venerable in 1904—declared Blessed in 1908—and finally canonized in 1920. She is the most notable Warrior-Saint in the Christian calendar, and the queerest fish among the eccentric worthies of the Middle Ages.”—George Bernard Shaw
With Saint Joan, Shaw reached the height of his fame as a dramatist. Fascinated by the story of Joan of Arc but unhappy with “the whitewash which disfigures her beyond recognition,” he presents a realistic Joan at war not just with British invaders but with realpolitik. This is a masterpiece of the theater of ideas, presented in the most eloquent, vital, human, and moving terms. Blackstone commissioned this production from the award-winning Hollywood Theater of the Ear.
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"I think I liked Shaw's lengthy 1924 preface at least as much as the play! The preface provides a biography of Joan of Arc, explains Shaw's opinions on similar works, and contributes enormously to the understanding of the short play."
— Tucker (4 out of 5 stars)
Quotes
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“St. Joan contains not only some of the playwright’s most acerbic writing but also his most poetic.”
— New York Times -
“The most fervent thing Shaw ever wrote—the play that is poetically the most moving, that comes closest to high tragedy, a work inspired with a truly elating sense of justice; a work in which the mature rationality of en esprit fort that has outgrown the confines of the eighteenth and even the nineteenth century, bows before sanctity; a work fully deserving its world fame.”
— Thomas Mann -
“Those who doubt the power of radio theater should be silenced by this performance of what has been called ‘the most fervent thing Shaw ever wrote.’ Saint Joan tells the story of Joan of Arc—not the saint, but the girl, a girl who is defiant, nonconformist, spirited. Also told is the story of a France not ready for her, a church that fears her, and barons and earls who fear her seeds of nationalism. This production features a star-studded cast: Amy Irving plays an inspired Joan; other players include Robertson Dean, Scott Brick, and Stefan Rudnicki. Sound effects and music are understated but also unnecessary as the cast more than carries the heartbreaking story. Winner of the AudioFile Earphones Award.”
— AudioFile -
“Written at the height of Bernard Shaw’s long and distinguished career, Saint Joan is Theater of Ideas at its best. The play…presents the tragedy of a selfless, courageous young girl with a spiritual sensibility so far ahead of her time that she would be as dangerous today as she was thought to be when she was condemned to death in 1431…The role calls for an actor who can demonstrate this and let Joan soar to tragic heights besides. Amy Irving does an outstanding job. The all-star cast plays off of her and supports her well. The final dream sequence, which moves the play from the 15th century squarely into our own times, is beautifully rendered.”
— Soundcommentary.com -
“Gifted audio drama director Yuri Rasovsky artfully melds the talents of actress Amy Irving, as the gung-ho French farm maiden-turned-warrior by the ‘voices’ in her head, to those of a veteran male cast to bring us a fresh and energetic revival. Rasovsky again displays seemingly effortless skill in translating a lengthy theatrical piece to intriguing audio drama…Rasovsky’s highly competent and satisfying effort, then, represents both an excellent introduction to Shaw and a stand-out performance.”
— Captain Radio
Awards
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Winner of the Audie Award for Best Audio Drama
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Winner of an AudioFile Earphones Award
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One of SoundCommentary.com’s The Best of the Best
Saint Joan Listener Reviews
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" One of my all-time favourite plays. "
— Brenda, 2/20/2014 -
" Shaw let his brain take a backseat to his soul on this one and consequently wrote his greatest play. "
— Rolls, 2/14/2014 -
" Shaw's introduction was interesting to read and helps the reader realize his understanding of Joan. The play itself is a very intriguing take of Joan that portrays her as a character who is human. While she is heroic, she is also humorous and has her own set of flaws. His depiction of the story is not as black and white as other adaptations make it out to be as well. There is definitely a blurring of good/evil that is set up as the play progresses. It would interesting to read this alongside other adaptations of Joan, both text and film, in a class to see how authors' interpretations vary. "
— Tara, 2/12/2014 -
" Joan of Arc totally enthralls me. I really want to get some good texts on her. "
— Melissa, 2/7/2014 -
" Love Shaw's realistic, sarcastic, cynical take on Joan of Arc. Couldn't stop laughing, particularly at points that clearly had to make fanatics crazy. "
— carl, 1/17/2014 -
" An amazing work by GB Shaw. Beautiful flow of the story and more importantly a beautiful message on patriotism, valour, faith and love. Small book, yet packs the punch! "
— Abhishek, 1/10/2014 -
" A very very short play that gives life to Joan of Arc. For anyone who already knows what happens to her, it's neat to see a her come alive with quirks, confidence, and passion. "
— Rosa, 12/11/2013 -
" This was a great introduction to the story of Joan of Arc. "
— Sharon, 11/24/2013 -
" Whether or not it is an accurate depiction of what went down in Joan of Ark's life, it was a great play to read and sparked me onto Bernard Shaw, whose work I've grown quite fond of. "
— Krystal, 9/26/2013 -
" I greatly preferred this to Pygmalion when I read it in high school. "
— Denae, 8/19/2013 -
" halve boek over heb zitten schrujven "
— E.J., 6/10/2013 -
" It is a very inspirational historical Drama! It is very rich with themes, symbols, motives.. It is about a woman doing what men at that time could not do! I personnally take Joan as a good example for women, for me.. "
— Nada, 5/25/2013 -
" enjoyed language but not into religious subjects "
— Jim, 2/12/2012 -
" This play is incredible. Joan's certainty of her mission and quick wits make for an exciting and touching show. It's fast paced and very funny...whodathunk? Joan is so spunky. I would love to see it, I've only read it. "
— Nate, 12/18/2011 -
" Definitely a classic. Fascinating how Shaw presents Joan's story. Not the most entertaining read (since it's a play) but it would be interesting to see the stage performance version. "
— Tim, 12/12/2011 -
" Shaw gave a dramatic rendition of Saint Joan's role in the French victory. "
— F., 5/20/2011 -
" Listened to this on the way back to Missouri. Well done, interesting tidbits on Joan. She's a heroic figure, and this is a different way to learn more of her. "
— Kathi, 5/17/2011 -
" For Literature & Existentialism (cf. with Kierkegaard) "
— Mike, 3/15/2011 -
" good. <br/>need to read it again "
— Aleksandra, 2/21/2011 -
" Like many others have posted. I am not a big fan of reading plays, but this one had me from the start. "
— Joseph, 1/10/2011 -
" It is quite funny in some parts =) <br/>I liked it a lot, has a very nice ending. "
— Adriana, 8/19/2010 -
" I think George Bernard Shaw has a habit of ruining plays with his epilogues. "
— Carrie, 8/14/2010 -
" I had to read this for my lit class and it was boring as hell "
— Stacey, 4/21/2010 -
" enjoyed language but not into religious subjects "
— Jim, 4/8/2010 -
" halve boek over heb zitten schrujven "
— E.J., 3/15/2010 -
" This was a great introduction to the story of Joan of Arc. "
— Alice, 1/31/2010
About the Authors
George Bernard Shaw (1856–1950), Irish-born playwright, critic, and political activist, began his writing career in London. In addition to writing sixty-three plays, his prodigious output as critic, pamphleteer, and essayist influenced numerous social issues. In 1925, he won the Nobel Prize for Literature and in 1938 an Oscar for the movie version of Pygmalion.
Yuri Rasovsky (1944–2012) won wide critical acclaim during his forty-year career as an audio dramatist, writer, producer, and director. His numerous honors included two Peabody Awards, nine Audie Awards, and a Grammy. In 2011, his production for Blackstone, The Mark of Zorro, was nominated for a Grammy. His final production for Blackstone was Die, Snow White! Die, Damn You! He has left behind an incredible legacy.