ME & JOAN (of Arc)
A play about love, power, identity, sexuality, and faith.
“Intriguing” “Funny” …what particularly impressed me was the sweet, unaffected nature of the exchange…in which we hear the authentic…voices of these two interesting women as they seek to share a common search for integrity and purpose across a gaping cultural divide.” Clifford A. Ridley, THE PHILADELPHIA INQUIRER
“Joan projects magnificent power and grace, while Lili embodies contemporary sexual energy and charm. ... reaffirms both Lili's faith and ours…opposed to the official Catholic stances on women's issues, nevertheless proves sympathetic toward St Joan and her spirituality.” Tish Dace, PLAYS INTERNATIONAL
“A suicidal stand-up comic fantasizes her way into a meeting with Joan of Arc. Visual images linked by the logic of dreams, exploring sexuality, guilt, women’s assertiveness, and the power of patriarchy and the church. And…at least one character is burned at the stake.” “Critic’s Pick” PHILADELPHIA CITY PAPER
“…a very authentic interpretation of St. Joan of Arc…rendering more clearly [than Shaw’s or Anouilh’s plays] her religious faith…relating Joan’s existence to modern feminism. … It’s aim…to expose the confused and sinful nature of human beings as they grope toward redemption and self-acceptance. …(its) sense of the times and women’s spiritual leadership role is very accurate.” Reverend John M Hynes, Associate Pastor, St. Catherine of Siena, Wilmington, Delaware.
“Pill-popping Lili is deliberately overdosing in a suicide attempt. She dashes to a church and insists that a young priest hear her confession and grant absolution. Then she collapses in his arms. He can't get rid of her fast enough. In the hospital, Lili begins a dream that turns into a nightmare: time-traveling back to the 15th century and playing a kind of loyal sidekick to Joan of Arc in her God-driven mission to save France.” Nels Nelson – DAILY NEWS, Philadelphia
TAGS: play, theatrical, pageant, Joan of Arc, stand-up comic, patriarchy, priest, fathers of the church, France, Middle Ages,recant, trial, suicide, hearing voices, overdose, burning at the stake, ensemble play, Cheltenham Center, La Pucelle, Joan of Arc, plays by women, monologues for women, Archangel Michael, Saint Catherine, Saint Margaret
ME & JOAN (of Arc)
(former title: La Pucelle)
by
Karen Sunde
Originally conceived and directed by Ken Marini
at Cheltenham Center for the Arts, Philadelphia
Smashwords Edition
Copyright Karen Sunde
For all rights to perform this play, apply to:
130 Barrow #412
New York 10014
Tel/Fax 212/366-1124
Other Plays and Screenplays by Karen Sunde
PRODUCTION
Set:
Open, medieval-modern; with moveable candelabra and ladders; as though a circus is taking shelter in a bombed out cathedral.
Characters:
LILI, a comedian
TOMAS, a young priest
JOAN, of Arc
Company:
Three or more – to portray Soldiers: ANTOINE, MAX, PIERRE; Priests: FELIPE, FATHER SUPERIOR, FATHER INFERIOR; and Crowd. (females may be cast in male roles)
Anything goes – like the deepest Mystery Play with Monty Python in the wings. Gregorian chants and battle drum bring in company previewing Joan’s world in parade, dance or mime (may include sirens) – before Lili shatters it.
At the end, Joan's statue is in place, Tomas is ready to give confession, and a pile of smoldering ashes is swept with a broom. Smoke from incense and candles waft, as Lili skips her way through it all to “warm up” the audience.
Lili's good at what she does, loves the audience, but beneath her kidding patter, we feel her life – from bright innocent hope to raw disaster. Her attire is macho-erotica leather and lace, like an MTV androgyne. She looks lost, and is carrying a full glass of water.
LILI:
Hiya! Boy oh boy oh boy, what a good-looking load of art-lovers. Ummumm ummm. Glad y'all got here! Ooh, you're looking at me funny. Please! Don't be scared. I promised I wouldn't frighten the subscribers. Just picture it: your daughter comes home dressed like this – what advice do you give her?
I told the shop boy, "Put me in something that'll attract men." And…dadah! (She strikes a provocative pose) It does work. Trust me. Course, the men I'm attracting...aren't exactly what I had in mind...
Not that they care down at Pigeye's Lounge, where I provide a...social service. No, it's not what you think. What I am is...a reality check – for these guys sautéing their livers in rot-gut...who think they're wasted till they get a load of me. (Expansive, smiling) They relax when they witness my level of confusion.
See, all I wanted outta life...was to be President. "Mama, can I grow up to be President?" I wanted to save the mother-loving country! I was full of ideas. I could lead the crowd. First one out on the playing field, that's me! (Beat) They wouldn't even let me on the debate team.
(To punctuate “debate team,” she jerks a bottle of pills from her jacket pocket, and proceeds, during the next lines, to open it and extract a pill)
I was smarter than any of them, bright-eyed, pure voiced – absolutely dedicated to saving the nation… (Suspended) But all they wanted to hear was – was I doing anything Friday after the game. I ran for President of the Sophomore class, got bigger crowds than anybody, had them in stitches... But did they vote for me? Hah! Next election, Jerry Stiles, the President, cornered me behind the drive-in. "Political caucus," he said. Bull-piddle! He wanted to know, if he took me to the Junior prom, would I write jokes for him. Jokes!
(To punctuate “jokes,” she swallows the pill, and takes a slug of water, but goes on talking, never dropping her train of thought)
But I could split their gut – get em laughing till the tears came rolling down. I had "irony." Know what that is? That's when the big boys are wringing your neck, but you stand there with purple skin, pointing to yourself, and say "Ha-ha." They loved me...when I was funny, when I put on a show – so I did.
(She shakes out another pill)
I dwindled into an act. A routine. Little song, little soft shoe... I could still hold the floor. Ten times better than those boys. Don't get me wrong, I never wanted to be one. Did you? (She looks directly at a woman in the audience. Beat) Oh. You did. Naw, I could never go along with Freud. (She swallows the pill, drinks) What was I saying? Just a second, I'll find it. I have really tried to be a modern woman, but I'm always slipping off the plank. I mean, circumstances lead you – rape, abuse, cellulite... No wonder I'm a mess!
(She shakes out several pills at once, but covers the ominous act by her pleased remembering' of her subject)
That's it! I was telling you about my act. How I wound up here? You know what they pay at this "arts" center? And no tips either? And me five months late on my rent! Course it's a relief to have an audience that's not passed out. I'm not counting your husband, Ma'am. You're welcome. But Cheltenham hired me cause they're not on the “grapevine,” they haven't had the “word” about me, about what I'm likely to...well, certain, actually, given a little time, to do...on their stage...to their audience.
(She swallows the pills with a big slug of water)
I notice you're not laughing anymore. Sorry. Look. Pigeyes just canned me, met me at the stage door, and...axed me. You see, I've got this problem with my... mouth. Can't stop it, can't plug it, before I know it, it's just spouting the most...well, profane...yeah, profanities, that's the word he used. Funny. That fat slimeball saying I was “profane” That I freaked his customers. They stopped buying booze, started shrieking, threw tables at the walls, climbed on stage and beat me to a bloody...
But there were mitigating circumstances. I was in deep grief. Joey! God, Joey...(She pours out the rest of the pills) When the last thing I could put my skin against, even if he was stinking drunk, still, there was some...blood pressure there, some...tactile presence, but no more. He split. It was the mouth, again. Oh, baby. My hilarious mouth.
It probably never occurred to you girls, and it might be having an unknown, even devastating effect on your life, but it is a statistically proven fact that... Men are afraid of making love to a comic. And, if you think about it – you don't want to think about it? Naw, that's not true! Joey left for the same reason the rot-heads threw tables at the walls: I drive men to explode, to splatter the ceiling. An hour with me and any yonk on legs is ready for jumping off the Brooklyn.
(She swallows all the pills but one, and drinks up the water. Then smiles, contentedly, at the audience. She's getting punchy, as though she's drunk)
But you want funny. What can I tell you. How about a story? OK, get your money's worth. True story. It goes..."A funny thing happened...on the way to confession." No really. Don't laugh. We need religion. Where else are we gonna turn – The Godfather? So, like I said A funny thing happens on the way to confession. Picture it: Pigeyes lowers the boom, "You're outta here!" So I drape my head over the sink, run cold water, grab the pills...
(She shakes the last pill out of the bottle, is about to take it, but hears— )
Joan: (The statue) Bless me, Father, for I have sinned.
Lili: (Startled) Joan?
(Lili turns and sinks to her knees before the statue. Father Tomas enters, sees Lili kneeling. He is young, finding his way, but warm, and gentle)
Tomas: How long since your last confession?
Lili: (Surprised, but answering) I'm not sure, Father.
(They segue to a confessional posture, seated, as though with a screen between them. Could be in the triangle of a free-standing ladder or only mimed)
Tomas: Has it been a week, my child?
Lili: Longer than that.
Tomas: A month.
Lili: More.
Tomas: A whole year?
Lili: (Pause) How 'bout I go for, say...twenty?
Tomas: Twenty...years?
Lili: 'Fraid so.
Tomas: (Pause) And during that time...have you sinned?
(Lili does a slow “take” to audience)
Lili: You're new here, aren't you.
Tomas: (Sensing something wrong. Gently– ) Yes...
Lili: (Gulping for air as she realizes the pills may overcome her, hurries to kneel) I've got to confess. Quick!
Tomas: (Following, wanting time to understand) I understand.
Lili: You have to take me! "Home is the place where, when you have to go there, they have to take you in."
Tomas: (Beat) Yes. But something's troubling you.
Lili: What are you telling me? There's a statute of limitations?
Tomas: Of course not.
Lili: You think I'm going to beg you?!
Tomas: Please be calm. I want to help you.
Lili: I think I'd better get out of here.
Tomas: No, you're safe here. Don't...
Lili: Don't what? You're not doing so well, hot shot.
Tomas: Please relax. We should talk a bit before...
(He begins to exit the cubicle. Lili cries out, alarmed)
Lili: No! Stay where you are!
Tomas: You're in some kind of trouble, and I...
Lili: No! I don't want to see you!
Tomas: I can help you.
Lili: (Tears mix with her fear and fury) Stay there!
Tomas: (Stopped) I'm here.
(He reseats himself)
Lili: (Short of breath, she's fading) All right.
Tomas: All right. (Pause) Why shouldn't you see me?
Lili: You can't help me.
Tomas: (Beat) Why did you come here?
Lili: When I was little, I always came down this aisle. Around that little niche, there's St. Joan.
Tomas: Yes. I know.
Lili: I'd light my candle for Joan. I wanted to be her. Maybe even thought I was. But I know...when I prayed, she talked to me.
Tomas: (Gentle warmth. He has the key now, and will delicately turn it) And you felt strong.
Lili: Yes.
Tomas: And happy.
Lili: Yes.
Tomas: You were in pure, warm light. With Joan, you were a hero.
Lili: (Whispered) Yes.
Tomas: I love her too. (Pause) It must be sweet to find her again.
(Tomas has found and released Lili's soul. She weeps, clinging to the barrier between them)
Tomas: (Pause) What happened? Did you stop...speaking to Joan?
(Lili gasps, seeing a traumatic scene from her past that she doesn't understand)
Lili: (Choked) Oh...
Tomas: (Pause) You stopped coming to church?
Lili: (Trying to verbalize what she's seeing) I could see her white legs...
Tomas: What?
Lili: ...against the red carpet.
Tomas: (Pause) Whose legs?
Lili: (Coming back to herself) It's not your business! You're just wasting...
Tomas: Remembering love isn't a waste as long as...
Lili: (Frightened, dizzy) Are you taking my confession or are you jerking off in there?
(Tomas is stopped. Lili barges on; her struggle against the effect of the pills reads like reckless drunkenness)
Lili: Either do your job, or throw me out, I don't give a fuck.
(Tomas hesitates, thrown by her hostility, listening for a clue to her real problem)
Lili: But I know how to keep your attention. I'm an entertainer. Yo, hot stuff. You still there?
Tomas: (Quiet) Yes. You're angry.
Lili: I don't need all these clothes on to do my act. So if I just...slip out of them...
Tomas: Miss...
Lili: Lili, name's Lili.
Tomas: Miss Lili...
Lili: Ooo, listening now, aren't you? Well, I'm just putting my hand up under...my skirt. And now I can just barely reach...my panties.
Tomas: Lili, what are you so afraid of? Please tell me.
Lili: (Rising intensity) Isn't this what you like? Oooo, don't stop me now! (Suddenly breaks, crying out in despair) I've killed, Father!
Tomas: (Sharp intake, which he controls, then- ) You've killed.
Lili: I'm taking a life! Forgive me, Father, forgive me, forgive me... (Weeps)
Tomas: (Shocked, trembling) Of course.
Lili: You don't believe me. I've done it!
Tomas: I believe...
Lili: You do?
Tomas: ...you're extremely distressed.
Lili: (Gasping, becoming vicious) I'm "distressed." On the money! How many times you think I've done it, Father? You want to know places, numbers, what "position" I did it in? Well...there were three I strangled, three men, and the fourth, I hacked to slivers with a fingernail file. Messy...but he put his hand on my leg. What could I do?
Tomas: You...want me to believe you killed these men.
Lili: You don't believe me?
Tomas: I want to understand, Lili.
Lili: But what do you think?
Tomas: I think, perhaps...you've been abused.
Lili: (Laughs, sharply) Wooh, not bad, Father. But you're off track. Nobody touched me. I was confessing my killing.
Tomas: Tell me...about your killing.
(She's breathing hard, having trouble staying conscious)
Lili: You're having difficulty, aren't you. The fingernail file was an exception. Usually I see they're watching, let my rear end sway a bit, glance back and smile – sweetly, not too suggestive – then I turn up an alley, sidle to the end of it, and wait. They follow. Soon as they're unzipped and reaching for me, I flick out my knife and castrate them. (Beat) Doesn't take but a second.
(Tomas, unable to contain himself, lurches to his feet, steps out of the confessional, grabs Lili, and pulls her to her feet)
Lili: (Dizzily, smiles at him) Thought I'd get a rise out of you.
(She sinks immediately, passing out)
Tomas: What's wrong with you! Stop this!
Lili: (Her eyes fluttering open) I've confessed my killing. You've got to forgive me.
Tomas: (Finally realizing what she's done, and 'losing it') You're dying! You've killed yourself! You...witch! (Trying to shake her awake) Don't do this. You can't die here. Don't do this to me!!
Lili: (Sinking to the floor) Absolve me! That's your job.
Tomas: (Trying to get a hold on himself) I'm calling for help. What did you take?
Lili: It's too late.
Tomas: Lili! Tell me what you've taken!
Lili: Would I lie to you? Absolve me!
Tomas: No! I won't let you do this. I'm calling an ambulance.
(He staggers away. Lili lifts an arm toward him as he retreats)
Lili: No...Wait...I'm only...
(Attendants carry Lili to an emergency room, Tomas attending. The vital signs' monitor begins beeping, and the beep becomes the church bells that announce Joan's voices. As Lili loses consciousness, we hear young Joan, speaking to the angel, Michael)
Joan: But I'm only a girl.
(Joan steps out, lightly: a peasant girl in a red dress, moving to place in a narrow shaft of light that reaches toward her and is "Michael." Music. Joan is mesmerized by what Michael has just said, and she wants not to lose the presence of the archangel that both fills her and appears before her. It's delicate, intimate, to draw us in, and intrigue us to share her vision)
Joan: (Almost a whisper, to Michael) It's a mistake. Must be...a mistake. I've been too proud.
(Joan is awed. Her eyes drop, then instantly rise again, wide with pleasure, as she hears Michael's response)
Joan: Yes! My life is his. I want to be used, but I...
(She's cut off by Michael, listens, and melts)
Joan: You know I am! Seeing you is more than happiness. It's joy so deep...like a rainbow around me. (Hears, then protests) That's only when I pray about the war. And if I cry, it's for my country! But then, you fill me with such...sweet...
(While she searches for words to describe her feeling, Michael interjects, and they continue a tight exchange. Each ellipses is a comment by Michael, but it's all fast as thought, with as many emotional changes – the kind of argument one has with one's own thoughts)
Joan: I know I prayed for a miracle. For the people under siege (Beat) Yes! He can do anything. I believe it, Michael. (Beat) Yes! Your coming to me proves that...(Beat) I don't know why. Because I'm kind to crabby Antoinette? Because I stopped them beating crazy Stephan? (Beat) No. I don't think you visit just anyone. But you...The joy that comes with you makes everything so warm, and right, that...(Beat) I do remember their pain in Orleans. How can you...(Beat) I am brave. Yes. With the sheep. And...(Beat) All I know is my village. My works have been childish things, Michael, so...(Beat) But...
(She stops dead at what Michael's said, and, frightened, says–)
Joan: I can't! They won't let me. I'm only a girl.
(She cringes, startled by Michael's sudden shout, then answers, subdued– )
Joan: Yes. (Pause) Yes. (Pause) If he tells me to do it, I will. (Silent tears roll down, as she answers) Yes. No matter how much it costs.
(Church bells)
Joan: But...
(Michael leaves. Lili speaks from the table, as though awakening not in life, but in spirit)
Lili: There are no "but's," Joan.
(Joan looks up, startled, not seeing Lili, but decides to speak, as though talking to herself. Lili moves from the table toward Joan. Tomas follows, watching her)
Joan: ...how can I lead the army? My parents won't even let me out of the house.
Lili: (Looking around, awed to be near Joan) Is he still here?
Joan: (Wary) Who?
Lili: You know. Michael.
Joan: Michael?
Lili: The Archangel.
Joan: No. He left when I said "but."
Lili: See, I told you.
Joan: Who are you?
Lili: I...don't know.
Joan: There weren't any bells. Why am I hearing you?
Lili: Because I...need you.
Joan: You, too? Did St Catherine send you?
Lili: Whatever.
Joan: I don't think so.
Lili: Please. I...need to talk to you. If I don't, I'll...die.
Joan: Die? You can't die. You're standing in God's light.
Lili: I...(Speechless an instant) Do there have to be bells?
Joan: When they chime...the voices come.
Lili: You, uh...better be careful who you say this to.
Joan: I hear what I hear.
Lili: It's only sound waves. It's no more real than fairies.
Joan: Leave the fairies alone. They're not hurting anybody!
Lili: So I've got it wrong. So tell me.
Joan: There's no point . If you believed in them, I wouldn't have to. And since you don't, you're bound to hurt them. So that's all I'm saying about fairies.
Lili: No, please, I'm sorry. I really want to know.
Joan: (Stubborn) Why?
Lili: (Unusually humble) So I...I just...need to.
Joan: An idiot can figure it out. Children hear about fairies. Then they come out to the woods. And the moment a fairy touches the hand of a child, the child knows all life's secrets all at once. How she, the child, belongs to the magic butterfly who changes bodies right before her eyes, and to the cricket whose song fills the night though it's never seen, and to even the bear, who once seen, can never be denied.
Lili: (Nervous, out of her depth) So. You can just...ask the trees what to do.
Joan: I have. But...
Lili: But what?
Joan: I'm afraid. Michael wants me to go out of the forest. No one will understand. My family thinks...
Lili: You've got to. Do...or die! That's all the choices there are. And I can't anymore. My pit keeps getting deeper and slimier. I can't climb out. (She's choked up) Once you made me dream...I could do anything.
Joan: I made you...?
Lili: And it's not true! I can't even get a minute's peace.
Joan: (Amused) Yes, you can. You know how.
Lili: (Defensive) No, I don't!
Joan: (Like it's the simplest thing) Of course you know. There's a knowing world inside.
Lili: Inside where?
Joan: Inside you. Inside me. A prayer world--where God and Mary and Jesus and all the saints and angels live – where peace and strength come from.
Lili: (Giving up, hopeless) Oh god.
Joan: It's all right if you don't understand. That doesn't change what's true.
Lili: Listen! I can't hold on even one more...
Joan: You can't see the bigger world, but your spirit knows about it. So if you just... jump, you'll find you can "do," you can act, right along with God, in the bigger world.
Lili: Then you get out there.
Joan: (Uneasily) What do you mean.
Lili: You can act. Do Michael's assignment.
Joan: But...
Lili: All at once. Just...jump!
Joan: (Panicking) I can't hear you anymore.
Lili: No. Don't let me go!
Joan: Leave me.
Lili: (Fading, pulled back to the table) Please...don't...let...
Joan: I need to pray. (Kneeling) Our Father, who art in heaven...
(Close to death but still reaching for Joan, Lili gasps out her last "routine.")
Lili: Don't let people who couldn't care less what's inside you – don't let them run you. Whatever you know inside, you have got to "do"...because if you don't, you give up your ticket to life without ever passing go, you cash it in for ready money, you become part of the trash, you open yourself to be pawed by every pervert who has a use for you. Don't let it happen! Listen to your voices!
(Then as Joan disappears, the medical team whacks on electro-shock to restart Lili's systems. Lili emits a sharp cough, then sharp groan, sitting bolt upright on the table. Her whole being undulates with a fit of retching, emitting a demon howl– )
Lili: You defecating perverts! How dare you drag me back to life! You've got no right! It's my business! I can close it out if I want to. Nobody asked you! You come worming your slimy way into my death! Damn you, damn you damn you!
(Lili thrusts herself off of the table, and lurches toward the audience as though they're waiting for her on the street outside. Joan resumes her place as a statue)
Lili: Hypocrites!! By what right can they refuse my right to off myself. What law says I can't...and they can? Let me go, for Christ's sake! If somebody elects to end her claim on the nation's health care system by checking out early, it should be a felony to stop her. Look at how much I was going to save the taxpayer. It's heroic. I outta get a medal! Posthumously. We ought to set up a Hillary Rodham committee for the recruitment of suicides. Now, there's an economic strategy.
We are such frauds. We say we're a “pragmatic” society. That's the excuse we give for hating art, for building mile upon mile of esthetic vomit called suburban sprawl, fast-food strip, the mall. Well, what could be more pragmatic, scientific, empirically observable...than death? Everybody knows it's our birthright, a guaranteed Coming Attraction. And who has a better right than an American. I mean, Death is the democratic way of life!
But "No, no you can't do it that way." Ever notice how a suicide sends a tremor through everybody? Why is that? "If she can do it, then who?" Are we afraid "we" might be tempted? That an epidemic will start? The news that somebody's “done it” is like a mute condemnation of every one of us, the judgment, somehow, that we couldn't keep them happy here. Well, I say Bullroar – you didn't keep me happy here!
"No, no, no, it's a sin, stupid!" You pop a lethal dose of pills, then zip down to St what's her name's to confess and get yourself quick forgiven...for suicide?! Talk about double indemnity! What nerve!
So why is it a sin? "Because it's God's business!" He makes the plan. He decides when you die. Oh. You think God planned to hook a cadaver to a breathing, eating, defecating machine for decades on end, running up the tab by how many millions on the national health?
Did God "plan" babies should come from test tubes? And how about the non-God-made parts industry. Aren't we in a sort of challenge-the-deity sweepstakes to see how many God made parts we can do without? Start adding up the spare legs, knees, arteries, hips, heart-valves, fingers, voice boxes, faces, what's your guess? What do you guess is the maximum percentage of non-God-made parts an individual can walk around with, and still get to vote.
And "God made me in his image?" Well. God never got a clear look at this face. But there's one life principle you can't shake God loose from: that first it is, and then– (Makes the flat-line noise) Beeeeeeeeep...it isn't.
So, where does that twerp of a priest get off?! Just because I was imposing my death-throes onto his life? So what if it was cowardly of me. Selfish. I can usually find that element lurking under my finest moments – selfishness. Cause I was scared dripless if I checked out without clearing my slate sin-wise, I'd wind up someplace even worse than this. So I admit to scared, but I was not indecisive. There's nothing worse than an indecisive suicide. I mean, jump already. If you've decided it's your turn, take it, don't clog up the platform, a lot of us are still rushing to work.
But the twerp tripped me. With Joan of Arc. Talk about spectacular suicides. I used to fantasize I was her. During mass. It wasn't exactly a holy practice, but there was nothing dirty about it. Honest. I kept my hands in plain sight. I could do it all in my head.
But, I knew I'd never be Joan. We weren't anything alike. (Tries to strike the statue's pose) I mean, she, like, believed things. And I was always doubting. Doubting Lili. Maybe what we had in common was we were both always in trouble. Isolated. (Kneels before the statue) I guess what I wanted was a friend. A friend I could respect. Trust, maybe. Cause, I figured, you were so busy with your voices and all, you'd probably just let me be...who I really was.
Tomas: (Approaching, pleased) Lili! I'm glad you're here.
Lili: (Dry) Oh? Charming. That's one of us, then.
Tomas: Yes. I'm glad to see you.
Lili: You probably think I should be grateful...
Tomas: (Simply, sincerely) I wouldn't presume.
Lili: (Sharp, suspicious) Presume what?
Tomas: (Tenderly, quiet) How are you?
Lili: (Flustered) Look. I know you meant well, so...I'm sorry I caused you the trouble, but I wish you hadn't...
Tomas: Did you know you kept on talking to Joan the whole time?
Lili: Bet I called you some filthy names.
Tomas: (Enigmatically) Yes. Well...
Lili: What?
Tomas: You weren't all wrong.
Lili: (Confused) All right, I'm sorry.
Tomas: You shouldn't think you're evil, Lili.
Lili: (Quivering) I...
Tomas: You only hate yourself.
Lili: (In pain) Don't....
Tomas: It's all right, Lili.
(She begins weeping)
Tomas: It's all right.
(He reaches for her to hold her, but she avoids him)
Lili: No, it's not all right.
Tomas: You're a smart woman, Lili. And whatever your troubles are...
Lili: You'll absolve them?
Tomas: ...you aren't alone anymore.
Lili: (Startled, pause, then-- ) No thanks. I'll get my business done without you.
Tomas: But I owe you. You did me a favor.
Lili: Croaking myself in your arms? Come off it.
(Flustered, honest, Tomas opens to her)
Tomas: You had my number. I'm so stupidly...young. And you're so raw, like you've no skin at all. I let you sucker me into rage. Then I felt pure terror. I need to know these things are in me.
Lili: (Staring at him, shy) Oh. (Beat) I was useful?
Tomas: There's some reason you're alive, Lili.
Lili: Yeah. You butted in.
Tomas: You have desires. There's something you wanted to be.
Lili: Yeah. (He's touched her) Funny...when I'd almost offed myself...when I was going under, I thought I was inside Joan's vision – in a vision of Joan's.
Tomas: Ah. (Relieved at being able to joke) Maybe you were.
Lili: You're laughing at me.
Tomas: Priests don't laugh.
Lili: (Laughs, then, deciding to trust him- ) You asked me why I left the church...
Tomas: Yes.
Lili: And I said...
Tomas: (Pause) You said "I could see her white legs..."
Lili: Yes.
Tomas: "...against the red carpet."
(Pause looking at each other, then Lili speaks, both admitting and asking help– )
Lili: I don't know where that came from.
Tomas: (Pause) It's troubling you.
(Lili nods, but it’s Joan that answers Tomas)
Joan: (The statue) How did you know?
Lili: (Spinning, trying to locate the voice) Who's there?
Tomas: (To Joan) I can tell, Joan. I know you're not a bad girl.
Joan: No, Father.
Tomas: Why did you try to join the soldiers?
Lili: (Amazed, realizing what's happening) My god.
(Joan is moving out of her statue spot to join Tomas. Lili watches, breathless)
Tomas: Haven't you more to confess?
Joan: I...don't think so.
Tomas: Joan. I have a responsibility.
Joan: To my parents.
Tomas: To the whole parish, Joan. You know what's expected of you.
Joan: I've tried to be good.
Tomas: It isn't easy...growing, passing out of your girl-hood. You're becoming a woman. New responsibilities will be...
Joan: I have my own responsibilities.
Tomas: Marriage, motherhood... What we expect of you becomes more serious.
Joan: I know.
Tomas: But I sense defiance, Joan.
Joan: It's not that. You don't understand.
Tomas: I can try.
Joan: There's something important I...have to do.
Tomas: Not with soldiers, Joan.
Joan: (Nausea) But I...
Tomas: How will your mother recover from this?
Joan: (Begins weeping) I'm sorry.
Tomas: Let me help you.
Joan: Father...remember I asked you about being a nun?
Tomas: I don't think your parents would...
Joan: It would be a wonderful life.
Tomas: Are you sure?
Joan: But too easy for me.
Tomas: Easy.
Joan: I was meant for more difficult things.
Tomas: Joan. Be careful of pride.
Joan: Our enemies are killing us, burning our fields!
Tomas: All the more reason for a young woman to...
Joan: But no one is leading! Someone has to stop this massacre!
Tomas: Joan...
Joan: God didn't give us this beautiful life, just to let it be...
Tomas: You're out of control, Joan.
Lili: (Eagerly) Yes. Tell him what you're going to do.
Joan: (Startled, hearing Lili as a voice) No.
Lili: Why not?
Joan: Because....
Lili: He'd stop you.
Joan: He doesn't need to know!
Lili: Aha.
Joan: This is between me and God.
Lili: You and God.
Joan: That's right.
Lili: Well. You're certainly not afraid of pride.
Joan: Maybe not.
Lili: But if it's God who's giving the orders...
Joan: It is.
Lili: What's to decide?
(Joan turns her head, holds for an instant, as though at last hearing something clear, then spins up and out of the confessional box)
Tomas: Joan. Joan!
(Joan has decided. She moves deliberately now, beginning the "change" dance)
Lili: You can't stop her.
Tomas: What? (Confused) Lili...
Lili: I can't stay.
Tomas: ...I...
Lili: (Drawn toward Joan) You did help me...touch something.
Tomas: Lili...
Lili: I wanted to see Joan again.
Tomas: There's so much I don't understand...
Lili: She's like a dim memory...(Taking position behind Joan) ...of a me I didn't hate.
(Tomas stays, watching the women, wide-eyed. Joan is still, in a beatified attitude, serene and lit-up with the joy of having decided to accept God's mission)
Lili: (Softly) I never thought I'd actually...get to see you.
(Joan's eyes become “present,” as though she might be hearing Lili, but she is in her own meditation, and rises happily, serenely, beginning to sway, slowly feeling the strength seep from the earth into her body, gradually, from toes on and on upwards)
Lili: I didn't know how...beautiful...being sure can be.
Joan: (Quiet, becoming full) With God in me, I can do...anything.
(Joan stands, feeling her full power, and accepting it, begins to dance, but stops suddenly, focusing on a voice she hears)
Joan: (To the voice) Yes! Of course I will.
(Happy at the idea, Joan calmly reaches to undo her dress)
Lili: (Uneasy) What are you...? Wait. What are you...doing?
(Joan stops, looks up, seems to welcome “the voice” of Lili above and in front of her, without acknowledging the flesh Lili behind her. She undresses and moves to put on a rough shirt and pants)
Lili: You don't have to do that. Don't...
Joan: It's a lot freer.
Lili: Listen, I once had this beautiful silk dress...
Joan: I can do anything in britches. Look!
Lili: It had a creamy ruffle that draped across my breast.
(Joan cavorts lightly, exploring her new physicality)
Joan: Anything. All the things that tangled me. Like climbing a tree. Or clambering over a fence. Or leaping a brook, Or chasing sheep through the woods...
Lili: This dress made me feel like a million bucks, like I couldn't be stopped, knock 'em dead every time out. And I did!
(Lili's dress, white and twirl-y, drops in on a hanger, beside them)
Joan: (Coming to rest, beginning to stroke her long hair) Or riding a horse. Before I could never, not really, not ever...really...ride a horse.
Lili: Are you listening to me?
(Joan is stroking her hair, fond of it, scared of taking the plunge, but will finally begin to cut it. Lili, aware of what's coming, and wanting to stop Joan, desperately goes on telling "the silk dress," and simultaneously yanking off her "tough" costume)
Lili: Then came my big break. A really hot group, The Naked City Gang, took me on. Right up front with equal billing, it was on-your-feet improv; they were always packed. And they loved my stuff! But when it came to opening night the wardrobe guy, Lenny, said my look was wrong, not tough enough, too "fem."
Joan: My body wants a million things. It wants to run, to climb, to scramble, to fly...
Lili: So they ditched my silk dress. They hated it. When I wailed, Lenny said I should avoid nauseating him. So I shut up and wore what he told me. (As she puts on her silk dress) And the act was OK. But something went dead. Some kind of juice went dry, or sour, or... Don't you get it? Listen...
(She looks at Joan and realizes her hair is falling. A bloody sword tip pokes onstage from the wings, twisting)
Lili: Don't. Please, don't. You can't...You'll pay. You'll lose. Please...
(A hand reaches for the sword blade, and rips a roasted goose off of it)
Lili: If you could just...wait...Wait!
(Lili finishes fastening her dress, while Joan clips, and the last section of hair falls to the ground. Three soldiers tear at the goose, hungrily devouring it. Joan shakes her head, grins, prances, enjoying her boyish lightness, beginning to posture in a masculine fashion, trying it out)
Joan: Like this! I can ride a hurricane. I can do...anything!
(Then, as Joan is gathering herself, and looking toward the soldiers, who are bunched and eating, Lili appears behind her, dressed resplendently in the soft dress. The transformation is as shocking as Joan's out of her red peasant dress)
Lili: Now look!
(Joan spins, as though to encounter a blow, then staggers back uncertainly, staring at Lili)
Lili: (Softly) Do you finally see me?
(As though struck in the eyes, and not knowing what she's seeing or how to react, Joan looks back and forth from Lili, to the soldiers, who are laughing, then, hesitates a beat, before flipping at Lili– )
Joan: What can you get done in that?
(Joan takes off skipping toward the soldiers)
(Lili stands dazed – become vulnerable in her femininity – now, rejected, and wanting to cry. Tomas moves behind her, speaking low, carefully, as though drawing her out of a trance)
Tomas: What a beautiful dress.
(Lili turns, sees him, responds shyly)
Lili: Thank you.
Tomas: (Moved, unable to say more) I...
(Joan is approaching the ragged soldiers, who are licking goose grease off their fingers, while it runs on down their arms. Lili glances after Joan, begins to trail after her)
Tomas: (Wanting to keep Lili from following Joan) Was that when you changed your act? When you gave up your silk dress?
Lili: (Troubled, still watching Joan) Could be.
Tomas: Nothing's been easy for you.
(Lili turns to him, really looks at him for the first time, and we hear one of the soldiers)
Pierre: (Easy-going, to Antoine) ..Little goose meat'll put muscle back on you, boy.
Antoine: (His mouth full) Yeah.
Lili: (Answering Tomas) You take your act from life – one doesn't exactly end and the other begin.
(The soldiers notice Joan approaching. Antoine is young, a refugee, nearly a virgin, being rehabilitated, initiated. Maxie is coarse, brutal, and altogether thoughtless, rejected by his family, raised by foster parents who overworked and didn't care for him. Pierre, a solid farm worker, usually quiet and strong, who likes the cows, doesn't put much store in church. Pierre is led by Maxie, who lords it and bullies here, where his cruelty and brawling techniques grant him leadership.)
Pierre: Well now, what's that coming. Dessert?
Antoine: (Giggling) If it's a stable boy they're getting scrawnier.
Max: (Coarse snarl) It's a girlie!
(Lili, turning her head, notices the scene Joan's walking into)
Lili: (Calling) Joan, I don't think you should...
Max: A farm girlie by the look of her. She'll put Pierre at home.
Pierre: (Laughs at his own expense) Sure will.
Max: Got a slow-blinking cow look.
Antoine: Took off her skirts, Maxie.
Pierre: Oooo, that's asking for trouble.
(The soldiers begin to spread, in order to surround Joan, who continues to move to the center, among them)
Lili: I think you better get out of there, Joan.
Joan: (Stopping. With measured tone) You stole that goose.
(Max laughs coarsely, and licks a dribble of goose-fat from his wrist up to his palm)
(Tomas has taken a step after Lili, reaches out and touches her shoulder. Lili turns expectantly, and looks at him)
Tomas: Talk to me.
Max: What do you think she wants, little Antoine?
Joan: You stole it from some poor farm woman!
Antoine: She's off her head, Maxie.
Pierre: Or maybe she's just...loose.
Joan: Pierre, you're from St. Margaret's. How can you steal?
(Joan is surrounded now, and the soldiers begin closing in. Lili watches,
anxious)
Max: Walks around in britches...
Pierre: Splitting her legs.
Joan: (Turning round, watching each of them) What big brave soldiers! You left the woman no supper for her children.
Max: (Putting a hand on her) Serves her right! These people hate us.
Joan: (Brushing his hand off) Why shouldn't they? You take what they have, and you're good-for-nothing! The enemy raids every night.
Pierre: (Grabbing Joan's buttocks) That's a cow-rump, all right.
Lili: (Crossing into the action) Joan!
Tomas: (Following, restraining Lili) You can't help her, Lili. You're dreaming.
(Lili looks at Tomas, trying to comprehend. He pulls her out of the action, then the two watch, Lili terrified for Joan)
Antoine: Wearing britches is looking for trouble, huh?.
Max: (Reaching for Joan again) She'll be no trouble at all.
(Pierre sticks his foot out to tangle Joan's leg. Joan catches Pierre's leg, flips him, and he falls flat)
Joan: Thieves!
(Max is startled, but grabs her arm and pulls her toward him)
Max: Come here, girlie.
Joan: Auuuugh, you stink!
(Startled, Max drops his hold, backs off a step. But then, enraged, he lunges at her with a roar)
Max: Uuuuuuuh!
Joan: (Her arm straight out to stop him) Maxie! That was you at communion.
Max: (Both hands on her, but off base) What?
Joan: This morning. I saw you at communion.
(Looking to the others, with bravado)
Max: You’re brain’s fried, girlie.
Pierre: First he'd have to confess.
Antoine: That'd take a whole week.
Max: (Pulling on her britches) Hold her! She's getting in my way.
(The others are close around Joan, taking hold. Lili fights Tomas' restraint. Joan hollers, trying to distract her attackers as she struggles– )
Joan: You're attacking women? Cowards! Try fighting the enemy!
Pierre: No one cares, girlie.
Max: Why are you talking to this whore?
Joan: You call yourselves men?!
Max: Will someone shut her mouth?! Knock her down!!
Antoine: (Excited) Let me have her, Maxie.
Pierre: Yeah, back off, Max. Let Antoine take her.
Joan: (Surprised gasp as she fights them) Antoine!
Pierre: Get him his color back.
Joan: Why are you so far from Orleans?
Max: (Huffing) The kid knows how?
Antoine: Let me, Maxie. I can do it.
Max: You better plow her good, if we let you go first.
Joan: Antoine! Fly away home! They need you at Orleans!
Pierre: She'll take care of his night-shakes.
Max: (Holding Joan) He's ready? If I hold her open?
Antoine: Sure I am!
Pierre: (Feeling Antoine's crotch) Like a rock--he's all bones but the skin.
Max: There you go, boy. Fix what ails you. Pound it into that patch of brush.
(Max and Pierre hold Joan down, while Antoine mounts her. Lili screams)
Joan: (Shouts at Antoine) I see your mother, Antoine!
(Antoine, stopped at peak of his action by the word "mother," cries out, pushing away from Joan. Lili is clinging to Tomas, weeping. He strokes her, comforting)
Antoine: Ahhhhhhhh!
(Max and Pierre are thrown, an instant confused, but Joan stays still, quietly focusing on Antoine)
Joan: (Realizing what's happened to him) Poor Antoine...
Max: (Bellows, grabbing her) Witch! I'll take care of you!
Antoine: (Screams) Don't touch her!! Noooooo!
(Antoine lands on Max's back; Max shakes and kicks him off)
Max: He's off his head! Get him off me!
(Antoine scrambles for a knife, and stands to challenge Max)
Antoine: Let her go! Let her go right now!!
Pierre: Easy, boy. Put it away. Nobody's hurting her.
Max: (Dull-headed, blinks up at Antoine) What the hell...?
Antoine: I'll kill you, Max! Let her go!!
(Joan, sliding out from under Max, very cool, steps in to deflect Antoine's knife blade)
Joan: I'm all right, Antoine. Don't be afraid.
Max: (Picking himself up) What devil got into him?
Joan: He's just a boy run away.
(Antoine collapses to his knees. Joan embraces him)
Pierre: They're all starving in Orleans.
Joan: And what are you doing about it? Cowards!
Antoine: (Clinging to Joan) Forgive me...
Max: (Spits) Mewling baby.
Pierre: Not fair...he found his mother dead.
Joan: More than that.
Antoine: (Gasping it out in deep gulps) She was thrown in a corner, beaten with clubs. Her skirt was torn away. (Despair erupting) Oh God...!
(Antoine buries himself in Joan's arms, weeping. Joan looks up at Max and Pierre. First Pierre, then Max collapses beside the pieta made by Joan and Antoine. Lili, calmed, begins to extricate herself from Tomas' arms)
Lili: I'm sorry. Something happened to me...in church.
Tomas: You were hurt. No, don't go. (Amazed, wondering what’s happened to him) I need you.
Joan: (Quietly) There are mothers still alive in Orleans.
Antoine: (Trying to recover himself) Not for long.
Joan: And babies. We've got to save them.
Pierre: We do what our officers say.
(Tomas and Lili, hearing Joan, gaze at each other, their hands moving, to touch – while Joan, in their favorite story, is background to their discovering each other)
Joan: And if they're afraid? Do you die one by one? Do you stop being men?
Pierre: We scramble for ourselves. They took my family's cattle. What else can I do?
Joan: We're going to Orleans. I'm taking you there.
Max: You're crazy.
Joan: I've come to lead you. I – (Says it for the first time) La Pucelle.
Max: La…What?
Joan: The Angel Michael told me.
Max: (Staring at her) Whaaat?
Pierre: She's crazy.
Antoine: A pucelle – what's that?
Joan: God is sick of this war.
Pierre: A pucelle's a heifer just before she's been tupped. Gotta be crazy, Maxie.
Joan: Don't trouble Maxie. He's trying to think it out. He's like your cow out in a storm – if I pick up her newborn, she thinks it's lost...
Pierre: Maxie doesn't know calves.
Joan: But you do. The old cow searches, frantic...because she sees her calf safe on my shoulders, but doesn't believe it can rise off the ground. (Laughs) Don't be afraid, Maxie. I'll talk to the King.
Max: What King?
Joan: Shame on you.
Pierre: There is no King.
Joan: We have a rightful King. He has to stand up for himself.
Max: Hah. You have to find him first.
Joan: That's right. With you. On the horse you bring me.
Max: (Spins on her) You don't know how to ride.
Joan: I'll learn on the horse you bring me.
(Tomas and Lili kiss)
Max: In a day, you'll learn?
Joan: In less, if I want.
Pierre: What a load of horse...
Joan: Whatever I need to happen will happen. Do you want to be wrong about this? Look in my eyes. See God shining there? Think how you'll feel riding with me, in the army that saves France.
Max: You're crazy...!
Joan: Am I, Maxie? (Laughing) Watch, I've got hold of your calf named France. I raise her just one foot off the ground. Hear her? "Maaa," and now smell her. (She puts her face close to Max's) Look in my eyes again. They're true. Not wild. Look. Now, I'll raise France another foot. Hear her? "Maaaaaaa." Smell her? Look, look in these eyes. See? I'm strong as God. And not afraid. Not of anything. So now. Now. I'm putting France across my shoulders. Hear? "Maaaaa." Now you can follow us all the way home. (Beat) Coming, Maxie?
(Joan is walking away. Tomas and Lili are wrapped in each other's arms, kissing)
Max: You're asking me?
Joan: I am. I'll need a very strong body guard.
(Joan hesitates, looking back at the three)
Max: I...don't know.
Joan: Would I have gotten the better of you if God weren't telling me how?
Max: You didn't get the better of me!
Joan: (Interrupting him) Maxie. The horse...should be white.
(Joan smiles, and moves away. The soldiers stand astonished, then, take off after her. Joan will stop, strike a martial pose, and the soldiers will dress her in armor, while…
(Tomas and Lili are abandoned in their passion. He is sliding Lili's dress off her shoulders, kissing her breast, reaching to unhook her bra. Lili reaches for his collar, undoes it, and begins to lift it off... Then he gasps, alarmed, clutches the collar back to his neck, and pulls away from her)
Tomas: No...!
Lili: Tomas...
(Tomas reaches for Lili again, they entwine, but he again pulls away, while Joan swells with joy, as she takes on the image of a knight)
Tomas: (Gasping) No. Don't do this to me. No!
Lili: (Reaching for Tomas, breathless, flushed) Tomas...! Aaaauuuuh...
(Desire flashing into rage, Lili reaches for a broadsword, and with an anguished roar, hoists it above her head with both hands, threatening Tomas)
Lili: Leave! You can't help me! Get out of here!!
(Joan, stepping out to preen herself, broadsword in hand, turns and sees Lili roaring. Tomas shields his head in shame, twists away, and runs off)
Joan: (Startled) What happened to you?
(Lili swings around, stunned, and stares at Joan. Shaken, she can't speak, but holds the sword, expecting attack, between herself and Joan)
Lili: I…I don't...
Joan: Who were you with?
Lili: (Stares at Joan, caught) The priest.
Joan: What!
Lili: Tomas. The priest. He...
Joan: (Angry) Get out of here. Do you think I'm an idiot?. You think I don't know anything?
Lili: You don't.
Joan: (Threatening with flat of her sword) Move. Now! I don't want you near my soldiers.
Lili: (Stunned) What?!
Joan: You're a slut. Get out of here!
Lili: (Hurt, furious) How about you! You're getting off on this stuff!
Joan: What?
Lili: (Squaring off, threatening Joan with the sword) It excites you. Dressing up. Leading soldiers.
Joan: (Strikes at Lili) You dare!
Lili: (Parrying her strike, they lock) It excites you, Miss Priss! And you're a cock tease!
(Angrier still, Joan strikes wildly as she speaks, and Lili dodges)
Joan: Shut your filthy mouth! My people are dying – by massacre, starvation, despair!
Lili: (Mocking) So you're going out to kill!
(Joan startled, catches her breath)
Joan: I'm going to lead soldiers, not kill.
Lili: (Smiles, then, a low growl) They're going to eat you alive.
Joan: What are you trying to do?
(Instead of answering, Lili comes back with a strike. Joan fends off, trying to stop the fight, but Lili keeps hitting at her, while Joan stands like a stone)
Lili: You stood up in that niche so pure, so almighty sure of yourself... You can't do it! You think those soldiers'll follow a priss?
(Joan's battle yell at Lili)
Lili: Why should they trust you with their lives?!
(Her pride finally fired, Joan raises her sword at Lili)
Joan: (Striking with fury) It's God they have to trust!
(Lili parries, almost losing balance, then attacks. Joan struggles, has an animal's quick sense, but often leaves herself awkwardly vulnerable)
Lili: (Speaking as they fight) Stop me. You can't even fight! Put that blade between mine and your flesh. Faster. You don't know how to live! Watch my eyes. Not my weapon. Watch! They think you're magic; they'll do anything to kill you.
Joan: (Clearly afraid, dodging) I'm not afraid!
(The fight builds, Joan begins to get it, has swift animal instinct, is exhilarated, out-fencing Lili now)
Joan: You think you're smart?
Lili: Damn straight! I work my tail off. I'm the best at whatever I do.
Joan: But you never win.
(Lili stumbles, shocked at the truth, stands frozen, glaring at Joan)
Lili: (Speechless) I…
Joan: (Crosses, takes Lili's sword from her roughly) Heart makes a hero. You don't believe...in you.
(Lili stands utterly lost, silent, as Joan walks away, then Lili suddenly rears high, convulsing her pain into a battle shriek, and strikes Joan from behind with both fists on her back. Joan sprawls face forward)
Joan: (Upset, roaring) That's not fair!!
Lili: (Roaring back) War isn't fair, buddy! You've gotta KILL people!
(Joan rolls, and the fight is on again, until Joan kick-trips Lili, and quickly raises the broadsword high over Lili for the death blow. But she hesitates)
Lili: I thought you were tough as nails.
Joan: (Anguished) I am! I just...don't want to kill anybody.
(Joan's suddenly lowers her sword, and staggers away, sinks to her knees. Lili follows, bends to cradle a weeping Joan)
Lili: I know...I know...
Joan: How could God want me to do that?
Lili: (In tears herself) Listen...lots of soldiers feel that way. We forget. We want to believe there's some of us...who can't kill people.
Joan: (Shaky, trying to pull herself together) I need to pray. I'll be strong.
Lili: (Frightened herself) Sure.
Joan: (Kneeling to pray) Blessed St Margaret, St Catherine...
Lili: (Unable to restrain her anxiety, interrupts) Will your "voices" come?
Joan: (Trying to pray) I don't know.
Lili: Do you really really need them?
(Joan won't answer)
Lili: You know, there's some doubt about these...voices of yours.
Joan: Doubt?
Lili: How do you know who they are?
Joan: By their lives.
(Like sun coming out, Catherine appears before Joan, in the audience)
Joan: (Seeing Catherine) Ooooh...
(Joan's sub-text: Catherine to her: “There is a special sword for you. Do you understand?”)
Joan: (With joy) Yes.
Lili: (Aware she’s missing something) What? What is it?
(Joan’s sub-text: Catherine saying “Send soldiers to find it. It’s hidden under the altar”)
Joan: I will! (Watching Catherine disappear) Thank you.
Lili: What's happening?
(Maxie, Pierre and Antoine enter, their heads dipping respectfully)
Max: Joan...?
Joan: (Startled to see him) Oh, Maxie!
Max: Excusing us, please, but you wanted us?
Joan: (Amazed, realizing Catherine must have sent him) Yes! I do. (She hands Max her broadsword) Take this away. I won't use it anymore. Then – go into the church.
Max: Yes.
Joan: You'll do as I say?
Max: Exact as you say it, Joan.
Joan: Saint Catherine told me, you're to look under the altar.
Max: I'll do it.
Joan: You might have to dig.
Max: We're ready.
Joan: You'll find a sword...that's meant for me.
Max: We'll find it. I promise you.
Joan: I'll wait here.
(Soldiers leave, and Joan anxiously watches after them. Lili, feeling the tension)
Lili: So who is she?
(Joan looks back to Lili, smiles, and drops to her knees, praying)
Joan: Oh...blessed Saint Catherine...
Lili: Yeah, her. What was her life?
Joan: (Caught off-guard, Joan laughs happily) Oh, terrible...terrible.
Lili: (Wary) Uh huh.
Joan: When she scolded Maximilius for his tyranny, he sent fifty wise men to reason with her, but she converted them all. Enraged, Maximilius burned them, every one. But Catherine's great beauty had infected him, and he offered to make her his queen. When she refused, he threw her in the dungeon, where she was beaten. But from her cell, Catherine converted all the officers, their wives, and 200 soldiers! So Maximilius ordered them all slain, and Catherine was sentenced to death on a spiked wheel.
Lili: Uh huh. So then, she's dead at last.
Joan: Oh no. She was lashed down, he gave the order to spin the wheel, but as the slaves pulled the great levers, Catherine's bonds sprung open and the wheel smashed to pieces, its spikes flying off, killing many who watched.
Lili: Uh huh. So what did Maximilius say then?
Joan: He had her beheaded.
Lili: And that took?
Joan: Yes. So she's a martyr.
Lili: As well as a virgin.
Joan: Yes.
Lili: A virgin-martyr. So she died.
Joan: Yes, except...
Lili: Except what.
Joan: When they cut off her head...
Lili: Yes...?
Joan: Instead of blood, it flowed milk.
Lili: (Pause) And you believe that.
Joan: Of course.
Lili: She was...one stubborn lady.
Joan: And very smart.
Lili: Oh, yeah.
Joan: To convert all those wise men.
Lili: What about...the other?
Joan: Margaret?
Lili: Yes, Margaret.
Joan: She became Christian and lived as a shepherdess.
Lili: Like you?
Joan: Olybrius saw her beauty, and offered to marry her – if she was free – or to make her his mistress if she was a slave.
Lili: But she refused.
Joan: Of course.
Lili: So he took revenge.
Joan: He tortured and imprisoned her. Then the devil came as a dragon and swallowed her, but the cross she wore around her neck irritated his stomach...
Lili: And he belched her out whole.
Joan: That's right. Then they tried to kill her with fire and with water.
Lili: But it didn't do the trick.
Joan: And the thousands watching all became Christians.
Lili: And all were killed.
Joan: Yes.
Lili: But they finally did her in. So she could be a virgin-martyr.
Joan: They cut off her head.
Lili: Uh huh.
Joan: But the executioner fell dead right after.
Lili: That's not so bad.
Joan: No. It was his reward. To join her in heaven. Because he'd been unwilling to kill her.
Lili: Uh...I don't want to upset you, Joan...
Joan: You can't. Now that I remember them, I know I can do anything.
Lili: ...but they're both just stories.
Joan: Catherine and Margaret?
Lili: They didn't actually exist.
Joan: (Smiling, incredulous) Then how could they speak to me?
Lili: Exactly.
(Joan's smile fades. The soldiers reappear, carrying something, moving hesitantly, respectfully)
Max: Joan... I don't know. It's covered with rust, but... (He breaks off, awestruck)
Joan: (Bright smile again, to Lili) You may judge Catherine's existence by whether she's advised me true.
(The soldiers kneel, presenting what they carry. Joan takes it up, and the rust falls away. She lifts a glittering-bright, many-facetted sword. Lili, mouth-dropped open, sinks involuntarily to her knees)
Joan: My friends. This sword has come to us from God. It is his sign. That we are right. and we shall win. But be not over-awed. And let your hearts beat softly in its light. He means to show, however small you are, however weak, when you will find his light, and stand within, your power will grow and blend with his.
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(Pages 1-49 show above.)