Artistic Director Tim Carroll to Make Shaw Festival Debut Helming SAINT JOAN

When the Shaw Festival's 2017 production of Bernard Shaw's Saint Joan begins previews on May 3 at the Festival Theatre, it marks two milestones for Artistic Director Tim Carroll - a Shaw Festival directorial debut and his first undertaking of a work by the Festival's namesake. His production joins the tradition of earlier presentations of Saint Joan by former artistic directors Christopher Newton and Jackie Maxwell in 1981 and 2007, respectively.

Saint Joan follows the exploits of French military visionary Joan of Arc (Sara Topham in her Festival debut) - a peasant girl proclaiming herself to be on a divine mission to save France from England. Hailed as a saviour and supported by the loyal Dunois (Gray Powell), the Bastard of Orléans, Joan's stunning battlefield victories, outspokenness and strength eventually begin to threaten the male-dominated society and the Catholic Church.

Inspired by theatre design innovators Edward Gordon Craig and Josef Svoboda, designer Judith Bowden and lighting designer Kevin Lamotte have created a dynamic abstract space and look that's untethered to a particular time and place. Further intensifying this state of timelessness is music and sound design by Claudio Vena and movement direction by Alexis Milligan.

Saint Joan is on stage at the Festival Theatre (10 Queen's Parade, Niagara-on-the-Lake) from May 3 to October 15 (opening May 25).

This production of Saint Joan is dedicated to the memory of the Shaw Festival's co-founder Calvin Rand.

Cast (in alphabetical order):

Karl Ang
Wade Bogert-O'Brien
Benedict Campbell
Andrew Lawrie
Allan Louis
Emily Lukasik
Tom McCamus
Jeff Meadows
Jim Mezon
Gray Powell
PJ Prudat
Ben Sanders
Graeme Somerville
Steven Sutcliffe
Jonathan Tan
Sara Topham Chaplain John de Stogumber
Dauphin (later Charles VII)
Archbishop of Rheims
Steward / Brother Martin Ladvenu
Robert de Baudricourt / Epilogue Soldier
Soldier / Ensemble
Richard, Earl of Warwick
Canon d'Estivet / Bertrand de Poulengey
The Inquisitor
Dunois
Soldier / Ensemble
Gilles de Rais (Bluebeard)
Peter Cauchon, Bishop of Beauvais
Captain La Hire / Executioner
La Trémouille / Canon de Courcelles
Joan

Creative & Production:

Tim Carroll
Judith Bowden
Kevin Lamotte
Claudio Vena
Alexis Milligan
Alison Peddie
Susanne Lankin
Director
Designer
Lighting Designer
Music Director / Composer
Movement Director
Production Stage Manager
Assistant Stage Manager

The Shaw Festival's 2017 season is on stage April 5 through October 15. The playbill features Me and My Girl, Saint Joan, Dracula, 1837: The Farmers' Revolt, Androcles and the Lion, Wilde Tales, The Madness of George III, Dancing at Lughnasa, An Octoroon, Middletown, 1979 and Secret Theatre.

Direct bus service from Toronto to Niagara-on-the-Lake on the Shaw Express began April 5. Patrons can choose to come for one day or stay for the weekend with a round trip costing $25. A ticket to a 2017 Shaw Festival performance is required to access this service.

Tickets for the 2017 Festival season and Shaw Express are available through the Box Office at 1-800-511-SHAW and online at www.shawfest.com.

The Shaw Festival celebrates the life and spirit of Bernard Shaw by creating theatre that is as entertaining and provocative as Shaw himself. For more information, visit www.shawfest.com.

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