VTC’s electric production “I, Joan” at Epsilon Spires
Cast members rehearse a scene from "I, Joan" on the stage at Epsilon Spires. Pictured left to right: Olivia McNeely, Tim Guarente, Liz Bergstrom, Alex Lacy, Ryan Bartlett, Dyana Lee, Saskia Bailey-de Bruijn, Megan Grove, and Jesse Farrar.
Vermont Theatre Company (VTC) presents “I, Joan,” by Charlie Josephine – an imagining of the story of Joan of Arc as a genderqueer warrior, full of vulnerability, humor, tragedy, dance battles, absurdity, faith, and revolutionary spirit. Throughout the play, they/them pronouns are used by the Joan of Arc character.
The play centers the familiar icon, Joan of Arc, a teenaged peasant, leader of the French army, and convicted heretic who refused to stop wearing men’s clothing. The historical figure, Joan la Pucelle, became a martyr, and later, a saint. This story has been told many times since the 1400s by the men in power, with that perspective on Joan’s actions and identity recorded as history.
Given the content of the historical events, this show contains themes of state and religious oppression, misogyny, economic oppression, and misgendering.
With Jess Iris directing, VTC’s production of “I, Joan” will engage audiences through multiple genres of artistic expression. Choral numbers are led by Max Bady-Kaye, and pulled from familiar local folk traditions. Bady-Kaye has also composed a new melody for song lyrics provided in the script. There will be live drumming by Katie Steele interwoven into the story at pivotal moments. Dance and movement has been choreographed by the Mimi Fang. Tom Burrows serves as the martial arts advisor. The show also features puppets based on early illustrations of the inquisition of Joan of Arc, created by artist Shea Witzberger.
Given the amount of talent and passion of the players who auditioned, Iris chose to cast specific key roles with a lead and an understudy. Performances will be at Epsilon Spires, 190 Main Street, on Friday March 20, at 7 pm; Friday and Saturday, March 27 and 28, at 7pm; and Sunday March 29, at 2 pm. There will be an understudy-led performance on Sunday, March 22, at 2 pm. During that performance, the leads will perform in the ensemble roles.
Tickets are offered on a sliding scale from $10 to $30, though no person will be turned away for lack of funds. In order to provide for community safety, it is requested that attendees wear masks.
Tickets can be purchased at vermonttheatrecompany.org/events or at the door the evening of the show.
Epsilon Spires is an accessible venue. The historic cathedral that houses Epsilon Spires has undergone renovations to be wheelchair accessible and ADA-compliant. Accessible parking is available behind the building, the accessible entrance is at the side of the building, and the restrooms are fully accessible and gender-neutral.
