First performed in 1923, "Saint Joan" is the celebrated play by George Bernard Shaw, the Irish playwright, social activist, and Noble Prize-winner. Premiering three years after Joan of Arc was canonized by the Roman Catholic Church, Shaw wrote "Saint Joan" because he was dissatisfied with how the saint was often portrayed in literature and history and wanted to present a more realistic and human Joan. Considered Shaw's only tragedy and one of his most significant works, "Saint Joan" follows the famous French soldier and commander from her life as a peasant girl who claims to experience visions sent by God to guide her, to her stunning and unexpected military victories, and finally to her trial and execution. Shaw's Joan is a complex character: brave, devout, and clever, but also intolerant, naïve, and foolish. Joan struggles to understand why she is not embraced by her monarch and his court after her impressive victory at Orleans and remains confident in her faith even as she faces torture and a lifetime of imprisonment or death at the hands of her accusers. "Saint Joan" endures as one of Shaw's most adapted and performed plays for its nuanced portrayal of a fascinating and often misunderstood historical figure. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.
First performed in 1923, "Saint Joan" is the celebrated play by George Bernard Shaw, the Irish playwright, social activist, and Noble Prize-winner. Premiering three years after Joan of Arc was canonized by the Roman Catholic Church, Shaw wrote "Saint Joan" because he was dissatisfied with how the saint was often portrayed in literature and history and wanted to present a more realistic and human Joan. Considered Shaw's only tragedy and one of his most significant works, "Saint Joan" follows the famous French soldier and commander from her life as a peasant girl who claims to experience visions sent by God to guide her, to her stunning and unexpected military victories, and finally to her trial and execution. Shaw's Joan is a complex character: brave, devout, and clever, but also intolerant, naïve, and foolish. Joan struggles to understand why she is not embraced by her monarch and his court after her impressive victory at Orleans and remains confident in her faith even as she faces torture and a lifetime of imprisonment or death at the hands of her accusers. "Saint Joan" endures as one of Shaw's most adapted and performed plays for its nuanced portrayal of a fascinating and often misunderstood historical figure. This edition is printed on premium acid-free paper.
Über den Autor
George Bernard Shaw (1856-1950) was an Irish playwright, critic, and social reformer known for his sharp wit, satirical commentary, and progressive views. Born in Dublin, Shaw moved to London in his early twenties and became deeply involved in the cultural and intellectual life of the city. "The Apple Cart," written in 1928, is one of Shaw's later plays and is considered a political satire. It explores themes of power, politics, and monarchy in a fictional future Britain. In the play, King Magnus finds himself at odds with his Prime Minister over the monarchy's role in government, leading to a series of witty and thought-provoking debates about democracy, leadership, and the nature of power. Shaw's works often challenged societal norms and conventions, and "The Apple Cart" is no exception, using humor and irony to critique political systems and explore alternative visions for society. As a playwright, Shaw was known for his ability to blend entertainment with intellectual depth, creating memorable characters and engaging dialogue that continue to resonate with audiences today. Beyond his literary achievements, Shaw was a prominent figure in the Fabian Society, a socialist organization advocating for social reform. He used his platform as a writer and public speaker to champion causes such as women's rights, education reform, and economic equality. George Bernard Shaw's legacy as a playwright and thinker is marked by his profound impact on both literature and social discourse. His plays, including "The Apple Cart," remain relevant for their exploration of timeless themes and their enduring relevance to contemporary political and social issues.
