Diogenes Theatre Company creates History with George Bernard Shaw’s SAINT JOAN

Sara Clark stars as title character in Shaw’s masterpiece directed by Lindsey Augusta Mercer

CINCINNATI – January 20, 2016 – Diogenes Theatre will produce George Bernard Shaw’s SAINT JOAN in the Aronoff Center’s Fifth Third Theatre for the second play of their season.  Lindsey Augusta Mercer directs the twentieth century classic that will feature Sara Clark in the title role.

SAINT JOAN, a masterpiece by George Bernard Shaw, is the story of the rise and fall of one of history’s most fascinating characters.  Joan is a young country girl who claims to hear voices from God that tell her to raise a siege at Orleans.  She claims that she has divine direction to chase the English out of France.  As she continues to claim victory after victory and her voice b ecomes more powerful, the church turns on her, setting up one of the most dramatic trials of all time.  The battle Joan will wage to hold on to her voice and her principals will be more daunting than any foe faced on the battlefield.  Saint Joan, originally staged in 1923-4, became Shaw’s most popular play almost immediately and continues to be just as powerful today.

Mercer, who has assistant directed many productions with the Cincinnati Shakespeare Company says, “The beautiful effect of Shaw’s account is the way his language encapsulates Joan’s strength, conviction, and unshakable positivity. As I am immersed in the cadence and passion of this play, I find myself filled with inspiration that perhaps is descendent of the spirit Joan moved in her contemporaries. It is a fine homage to her legacy- and should make for an even finer night of theatre.”

The play will feature Sara Clark as Joan.  The enormous cast of characters that surround Joan will be portrayed by only six other actors, making this a theatrical feat not to be missed.  The cast includes: Geoffrey Barnes, Billy Chace, Jared Earland, Patrick Phillips, Rory Sheridan & Nicole Jeannine Smith.  Sara Clark, says of the project: “Shaw always looks a little intimidating from the outside….like you’re at the bottom of a mountain wondering how on earth you’ll ever make it to the top. But in reality, it’s a very, very good play…and it’s always easier to tackle a great play than a bad one. Because he’s done all the work for you. Learn all of the words accurately and say them clearly. Take a small breath at the commas and a big one at the full stops. You don’t have to be the world’s most brilliant actor, just one who’s smart enough to get out of your own way.”

The design team features costume design by Amanda McGee, set design by Sarah Beth Hall, sound design by Doug Borntrager, and lighting design by Alan Kleesattel.  The production is stage managed by Justin McCombs.  Brian Isaac Phillips serves as a special consultant for the production.

Performances will be on February 18, 19, 20 and March 2, 3, 4, and 5  at 7:30pm and February 21 at 2:00pm.  All performances will take place at the Aronoff Center for the Arts’ Fifth Third Theatre.

Diogenes Theatre Company is a small professional theatre performing the best of comedy and drama in intimate studio settings .  For more information visit – www.diogenestheatrecompany.com.  Tickets can also be purchased at www.cincinnatiarts.org.

Up next for Diogenes Theatre Company will be Samuel Beckett’s “Happy Days” directed by Michael Evan Haney and featuring Amy Warner.