The Virgin of Orleans Morphs into “Joan Dark”
Copyright: Nick Mangafas
A contemporary interpretation of a classic work. Young Austrian director Aida Karic has set out to discover clues about the life and deeds of Jeanne d’Arc. Karic’s aim: to locate connections between Schiller’s material and what’s transpiring in the world today. Her production takes us into the midst of a militarized society.
In Schiller’s work, Johanna of Orleans is a religious fanatic. Karic takes a different tack, excising any and all romantic elements. Her Joan of Arc isn’t only moved by visions; her actions are based on sociopolitical considerations. Her radical stance is, first and foremost, a sign of a sense of connectedness to her fellow human beings. Karic is interested in feelings like rage, desperation, fear and hate—all of them fertile soil for nationalism and war. She seeks to find out what happens to individuals and peoples who wage war over the course of many years. Relevant to Karic’s undertaking is, above all, what’s been going on of late in the USA, a country that’s been at war for years—and, indeed, campaigning far beyond its own borders. Thus, it’s certainly not by chance that Aida Karic selected Chicago, the home of Barack Obama, as the setting for her research and rehearsals (“Joan Dark” is co-produced by Chicago’s Goodman Theatre). In “Joan Dark,” religion and nationalism dovetail into a dangerous combination. The world premiere in Linz is set for June 15.Joan Dark
June 15, June 17-20, 2009, 8 PM
Hafenhalle09 (Industriezeile 41a, 4020 Linz)
Details, dates/times and ticketing at www.linz09.at/joandark
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