The Review – What Does Greta Thunberg Have in Common with Joan of Arc?
You may find the comparison of Joan of Arc and Greta Thunberg in the context of the production of Saint Joan by the Polish AST National Academy of Theatre Arts in Krakow a bit absurd. Although the young Swedish activist appears on the scene only in the projected shots, there are several reasons why, in my opinion, this connection is more than adequate.
Thanks to the stage design by Aret Slesinks, we enter a flat that could resemble a cheap student flat. Or an RPG game environment. Or shelter from the impending apocalypse. The wall is covered with exotic wallpaper, the space consists of furniture from the times of socialism, a small TV or an old refrigerator, microwave and stove. Such a room asks us if we have moved anywhere since the Hundred Years’ War. It sets us as humanity a mirror.
In this hiding place there are characters from the play of the same name by the Irish playwright G. B. Shaw. Joan, whom the author depicts, is a representative of reason, which fights against violence, dogmatism and authoritarianism. Joan, whom we know as a figure from the Hundred Years’ War, is the exact opposite. Thanks to her faith and revelations, she was to lead France to victory. Joan in this production is the personification of both descriptions. She is both a saviour and a rational warrior. Just like Greta Thunberg.
The parallels between the two characters are obvious. The historical Joana is considered a madwoman, who, despite her merits in the war, was burned by the Church. Greta is lucky. She will probably not be burned in the 21st century, but on the other hand she had to face the attacks of the “most powerful man in the world” during his administration. Who would listen to a naive high school girl after all? Shaw’s Joan is a rational character. Is Greta different? She’s not. She refers to the results of many years’ work by scientists.
The post-apocalyptic treatment of Joan of Arc by Polish students is so frighteningly close to us. Their interpretation finds similarities between historical events, dramatic models and the present. It is up to us to listen to the appeal of Polish students or a Swedish activist.
Dominika Dudášová (VŠMU)