In Good Conscience

According to George Bernard Shaw, his play Saint Joan features no villains. Every character in the play behaves according to his or her individual conscience — they're all motivated by the belief they're doing the right thing. But what are our consciences other than those little voices that urge us to do something for good cause? Joan hears voices telling her that she can lead the French army to victory over the English invaders and then install the Dauphin on the throne — voices she attributes to various saints. And Joan accomplishes exactly what she's told she will, and then she's burned at the stake. Is this the outcome of all "good intentions," or is there something more to life's struggles? The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis tackles the big issues of belief and the meaning of life with a production of Saint Joan at 8 p.m. Wednesday, January 7, at the Loretto-Hilton Center (130 Edgar Road, Webster Groves; 314-968-4925 or www.repstl.org). Saint Joan continues daily through Sunday, February 1 (no shows on Monday), and tickets are $14.50 to $60.
Tuesdays-Sundays. Starts: Jan. 7. Continues through Feb. 1, 2009