A wonderful play and four great actresses, so to speak, share a role but they multiply at the same time, and make the role of Joan universally relevant. They perform wonderfully together – whether in the scenes where they speak in synchronicity, or simply in common scenes, that are precisley timed, whether immersed in the ancient yet modern version, or the contemporary Johanna.
What is worth fighting for?
Very quickly the figure of the historical Joan of Arc (Maid of Orleans) switches to a modern approximately 12-year-old girl named Johanna. Despite 600 years, several basic questions remain the same: Who am I? Who influences me? What do I believe? Where am I from and where am I going? And last but not least, why?
Four are one and many at the same time. A kind of revolving stage is in the middle of the stage, where a woman lies. Three more are – in a very similar position – on other parts of the stage – outside the circle – on the floor. All of them are Johanna. which actually means that we meet two Joans, the Joan 600 years ago in France and Joan from here today.
You can’t do anything and you must do everything
At the start we hear from the wings “wonderful” phrases unfortunately known by too many children and young people like “you can’t, you’re too stupid, too small, too big, too thin, too fat ….” and the like. Cut. Next Saying: “Tomorrow is a big day for you, where it will be decided whether you rise or fall!”
Great!
Against the background of the first humiliation caused by parents or teachers, Johanna questions what is and must be learned in school. “I wonder when I will be able to use the probability theory to calculate the probability of whether I really need it in life!” School knowledge is counteracted by the practical challenges of life, such as love and friendship. Or in the case of cover letters, where a theme is made of the requirements to be young and at the same time to have a lot of practical experience, as it is happening more frequently in the job market.
Beginning or mediocrity?
The departure of the self-confident, exceptional Joan of Arc, who prompted the French king to give her soldiers so that they could battle against the English is connected to today’s Johanna, who wonders what is worth fighting for today? She almost resignedly states: “Mediocrity is the new religion!” and then she picks herself up again and cries: “Hello world, I want to change you”. At this point, this sounds a bit ironic.
After a discourse on religion and belief and philosophizing about realism and reverie she comes at last – like the mythical creature in the classic children’s book “The little I am I” – in the end, she just wants to be herself. Johanna decides on the great day, to take up the fight for her life.”