Saint Joan: Sydney Little Theatre’s Big Project.
Sydney’s Genesian Theatre has taken on an epic challenge with a revival of George Bernard Shaw’s Saint Joan, opening in November, to be directed by Kevin Jackson. Jackson who recently resigned from the National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) after more than 27 years of service to the school. He also taught extensively at the American Conservatory Theatre (ACT) in San Francisco.
Regarded by many as Shaw’s masterpiece, SAINT JOAN features a cast of over twenty and explores the life and motivations of Joan of Arc.
Jackson, an avid fan of the works of Shaw, has widened the usual rehearsal approach to the piece, creating a six month ‘project’ involving not just cast and crew but theatre members, subscribers and regular patrons.
He commented “The Joan Project is an approach that reflects the curiosity of the general community into the 'mysteries' of theatre making.
It is hoped that the performance of the play SAINT JOAN by George Bernard Shaw at the Genesian in November will be enhanced by the background talks on the History of the world of the play, the world and interests of the writer. We hope to invite other experts and enthusiasts to share with us insights that will bring to life details to illuminate the production. Demonstration of the practical obstacles and challenges of the material will be given: for instance the textual/vocal muscularity; the music, clothes(costumes) of the period etc will be presented in The Joan Project program. Community inclusion with the theatrical invention is what we want to engage and foster.”
The project began in early June with a day-time workshop on Joan of Arc and Shaw featuring Medieval Studies expert Dr Jennifer Carpenter and Ken Healey, former NIDA History of Theatre lecturer and Literary manager and a freelance writer and broadcaster on the performing arts.
Genesian Theatre Chairperson Barry Nielsen noted that this year marks the 600th anniversary of Joan’s birth. “It is a play we have always wanted to do’ he said, ‘but we were under no illusions about the challenge in presenting it. We were absolutely thrilled to reach agreement with Kevin Jackson to direct this and we are tremendously excited by his approach to the piece.” Nielsen observed that Jackson had an early association with the Genesian but last directed there in 1984. “Hopefully he will see it as something of a return home. Kevin started off directing here in his early 20s and we are really delighted that he will be assisted by Con Costi – a young emerging director, so there’s a real sense of continuity.”
Auditions for the coveted role of Joan will take place on 22 July. The Theatre is anticipating huge interest, having had 75 potential Eliza’s audition for its recent revival of Pygmalion, also by Bernard Shaw.
Nielsen said the project was an exciting step for the theatre which he said was going through something of a purple patch at present. “We’ve been lucky to have some absolutely dedicated people on board and an ever increasing loyal audience. Most of our recent plays achieved audience numbers hitting close to 90% which is remarkable. Of course it is staffed entirely by volunteers and this allows us to choose a charity to benefit from each play. That charitable aspect seems to really strike a note with actors who work with us, be they resting professionals or those who act as a hobby. They tend to be here for the love of the art and for the benefit of others rather than personal financial reward. There’s a real sense of community.”
Hidden in between the large skyscrapers of Kent Street is a small theatre company that has been bringing live theatre productions to the people of Sydney over many decades.
The Genesian Theatre has operated from its historic church premises since 1954 and in that time has played host to some of Australia’s biggest names including Bryan Brown, Peter Carroll, John Bell, Nick Enright, Judi Farr, Julie McGregor, Douglas Hedge, Angela Punch-McGregor and even a youthful Baz Luhrmann Although often associated with the works of Agatha Christie its continuous performance programme has included the Sydney premieres of gritty convict dramas as well as Andrew Lloyd Webbers ‘By Jeeves’ and new works by Mel Morrow amongst others.
Images: Ken Healey and Kevin Jackson discussing Saint Joan and Bernard Shaw at the Saint Joan workshop & Genesian Theatre.
More Reading
Community Theatre Seasons 2012 - www.stagewhispers.com.au/community-theatre/community-theatre-seasons-2012
More Community Theatre - www.stagewhispers.com.au/community-theatre
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