Australian premiere: ’80s retro all go in Joan of Arc rock opera

WHAT happens when you take the famed story of a 15th century French peasant girl and mix it up with the smooth grooves of the ’80s?

The answer is the Australian premiere of rock opera Virgin Warrior, written by Zig Byfield and Peter Perchard, at Perth’s Phoenix Theatre from March 1, 2012.

Directed by Jane Sherwood, it follows the story of 14-year-old Joan of Arc through song as she leaves home and demands an army from a nobleman, repeatedly defeating the English enemy.

But at age 20 she is found guilty of heresy by the French church and burned alive.

First staged in 1986, Virgin Warrior uses a mix of strong dramatic songs ranging from haunting ballads to striking rock and choral anthems.

Sherwood said she was excited to be directing an Australian premiere.

“It’s a challenge to direct a show that hasn’t really been done before,” she said.

“The music of the ’80s is bringing back many memories for me and I am sure it will for many of the audience.

“It’s a rock opera and, like all operas, the story is told through the songs.”

Sherwood has a wealth of experience behind her, both on and off the stage, in London, Melbourne and Perth, working with the Belvedere Intimate, Phoenix, Stirling, Rag and Bone and Kwinana Theatres, Arena Arts and Entertainment and A lad in sane productions (note to subs: lower case is correct).

In 2009, she directed The Last Waltz, which was named best overall production at Dramafest, the annual state drama festival, and scored a similar award at the 2011 South West Drama Festival for The Leftovers.

Last year, she also won the Susan Hayward Award for best director of a play at the annual Finley Awards for The Effects of Gamma Rays on Man-in-the-Moon Marigolds.

 “WithVirgin Warrior, there is little to draw on because it hasn’t really been staged before,” Sherwood said.

“But, on the plus side, that gives us a blank canvas to work with.

“The opportunity for an outdoor performance at Supreme Court Gardens is also very exciting.”

Virgin Warrior plays at 8pm, March 1, 2, 3, 8, 9 and 10 with a 2pm matinee on March 11. A one-off special show will be held in Perth’s Supreme Court Gardens on March 17 from 5.30pm.

Tickets are $20 adults, $15 concession – book on 0450 158 851 or at www.trybooking.com.

Phoenix Theatre is located on the corner of Rockingham Road and Carrington Street, Hamilton Hill, within the Hamilton Hill Memorial Hall.

Images:

James Hynson, Ryan McNally, Tim Viljoen, Christopher Doney, Angus Howell, with Melissa Kiiveri, in foreground, as Joan of Arc.

Melissa Kiiveri as Joan of Arc.

Amy Tyers and Adam Salathiel, Joan of Arc’s parents, with Melissa Kiiveri as Joan.

Jayde Clark, Gilbert Hewett, Danni Close, Crystal Suche, Gary Ienco and Anthony Dillon, with Melissa Kiiveri, third from right, as Joan of Arc.

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