A MODERN JOAN OF ARC

Evening Star, Issue 23382, 27 September 1939, Page 14

A MODERN JOAN OF ARC

Few characters in history make such an appeal-to the imagination as Joan of Arc, the simple maid of Orleans, whose visions so inspired her that she turned a dispirited army into an invincible force. A' modern, variation on this theme has been used by Norman MacOwan in his play, ‘ Glorious Morning,’ with telling effect. A mythical totalitarian State has endeavoured to stamp out-all religion and individuality and replace it with the gospel of “The ■State is all.” Leda, the daughter of peasapt sees d vision and becomes a great spiritual force to counter this new gospel, and the story of the clash between material and spiritual power has ; bcen developed into a noble and insuring, drama. Miss Mary'Jolly’s performance as Leda promises to be outstanding in-its impressive quietness, whilst,Mr Fred l . A vent is well cast as Anton, the old peasant whose first allegiance is to tne soil, Mr Lionel Stephens brings great force to his performance as General Gurgani, and Miss Elsie M'Peak’s Anna is a fine character study. ‘ Glorious Morning ’ opens at His Majesty’s Theatre on September 27 for a four-night’s season.