Australian premiere: ’80s retro all go in Joan of Arc rock opera

What happens when you take the famed story of a 15th century French peasant girl and mix it up with the smooth grooves of the ’80s? The answer is the Australian premiere of rock opera Virgin Warrior at Phoenix Theatre this March, written by Zig Byfield and Peter Perchard. Directed by Jane Sherwood, it follows the story of 14-year-old Joan of Arc through song as she leaves home and demands an army from a nobleman, repeatedly defeating the English enemy. But at age 20 she is found guilty of heresy by the French church and burned alive. First staged in 1986, Virgin Warrior uses a mix of strong dramatic songs ranging from haunting ballads to striking rock and choral anthems. Sherwood said she was excited to be directing an Australian premiere. “It’s a challenge to direct a show that hasn’t really been done before,” she said. The music of the ’80s is bringing back many memories for me and I am sure it will for many of the audience. “It’s a rock opera and, like all operas, the story is told through the songs. With Virgin Warrior, there is little to draw on because it hasn’t really been staged before,” Sherwood said. But, on the plus side, that gives us a blank canvas to work with." Virgin Warrior plays at 8pm, March 1, 2, 3, 8, 9 and 10 with a 2pm matinee on March 11. A one-off special show will be held in Perth’s Supreme Court Gardens on March 17 from 5.30pm. Tickets are $20 adults, $15 concession – book on 0450 158 851 or at www.trybooking.com. Phoenix Theatre is located on the corner of Rockingham Road and Carrington Street, Hamilton Hill, within the Hamilton Hill Memorial Hall.