Lillian Hellman The Lark

Hellman adapts another French play, Jean Anouilh's The Lark. Nothing I have found online explains why Hellman took up adaptations in general or specifically why this one about Joan of Arc. Yes, there is the theme of idealist coming up against authority but that theme is common enough. 

What results in two acts is a rather interesting play. Those two acts consolidate St. Joan's life along with discussions of church authority and freedom of conscience. 

I am not finding much in the way of performances.

1. The original cast on the road
   
2. The Lark performed by the Class of 2020 is on Facebook.
   
3. The Lark by The Baron's Men (2016)
   

I read George Bernard Shaw's Saint Joan somewhere around 40 years ago. In my mind, The Lark is easier to read, it is lighter on its feet, and also constructed in a more interesting way - memory slides in and out by presenting itself with characters onstage. As with the other Hellman plays (click on the label Theater below to find these pieces), it is worth reading.

For what else I have written about Hellman, click on the "Theater" link below where it says Labels.

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