Joan of Arc is not just a story about a faithful teenager trapped in a fight for her life. Joan of Arc is not just a story about a brave girl trying to save France and her own soul.

JOAN OF ARC is a TRUE STORY! It’s about a kind and loving teenage girl who wanted to do God’s will and hoped she could save her family and her French country from unwanted Burgundian and English invaders. We know the truth and facts about Joan of Arc because her words were written down during her ecclesiastical trial in Rouen, France. The Church trial began on January 9, 1431, under the authority of the Catholic Church, specifically the authority of Bishop Pierre Cauchon. In history and our play, Bishop Cauchon is the villain because he is secretly aligned with the English who want to take over of France. 

Prince Charles VII became the Dauphin (heir to the throne of France) at age fourteen when his older brother died in April 1417.  As a child, Charles suffered trauma from his father’s insanity at a time when politics between England and France were scandalous and messy. French people in power dismissed young Prince Charles as inexperienced. Bishop Cauchon loathed young Charles VII. But the French peasants and Joan of Arc believed Charles VII was the rightful Dauphin. They wanted him to become their king.

Joan’s French name is Jeanne d'Arc. She was born on January 6, 1412, in the village of Domrémy, France, during the “Hundred Year’s War” which started in 1337 and ended in 1453.  (Can you imagine 100 years of war?)  Joan’s village of Domrémy was attacked in 1425. I visited Domrémy and went to one of Joan’s homes which is now a museum in Domrémy-la-Pucelle, France. I’ve seen Joan’s signature on documents in a museum. You can see some copies of Joan of Arc’s signature, but it’s not the same as seeing Joan of Arc’s actual handwriting and knowing that Joan’s hand touched that piece of paper.

The students in this play are bringing history to life. Christian Drama’s School’s motto is “Acting is Believing!”  It’s an old theological debate. Thinkers ask which comes first, FAITH OR ACTION?  Maybe it’s the other way around. Maybe ACTING prompts FAITH. This back and forth dynamic often happens at Christian Drama School.

Acting like Jesus or acting like people who trusted Jesus is a really fun way to “feel into” God’s story and make God’s story, YOUR story. Dancing with friends who have swords is fun too! Can’t beat that! Today, LET’S ALL BELIEVE that we are part of Joan’s story which is part of GOD’S STORY.  Then, perhaps, we too will hear God’s voice in our hearts.

Joan believed God’s Voice spoke directly to her through the three separate voices of Saint Catherine, Saint Michael, and Saint Marguerite. Joan chose to listen and follow the words of the Saints who spoke to her. The rest is history!