In Conversation with Abigail Banister-Jones | Sainting Joan
- May 5
- 3 min read
In today's backstage blog, we sat down with Abigail Banister-Jones, writer and performer of Sainting Joan, the punk new musical reimagining Joan of Arc at Explosives Factory later this month.
Hear the voices and feel the fire in this new musical. You are cordially invited to the canonisation of Joan of Arc. Saint Peter’s Basilica is filled to the brim with spirits as preparation for the sainting begins. Nearly five hundred years after the English burned her at the stake, the French hero is getting officially recognised. It has been a long time coming, and the ghosts at the back of the cathedral all want to have their say on the matter. Complete with original songs, Sainting Joan is a historic rock musical that blends camp and catholic imagery to tell the life story and legacy of the icon Joan of Arc.
Q: Welcome to Theatre Works! How are rehearsals going? How are things shaping up?
I have been absolutely blown away by the rigor of the team and their commitment to bringing this new work to life. Every rehearsal holds new discoveries. Watching the pieces of the show come together is incredibly exciting. I have been with the text of the work for so long, but it feels brand new with the addition of choreography, musical arrangement, and each performer’s unique approach to their character.
Q: What drew you to telling Joan’s story? How does the show breathe life into these characters from history?
Joan of Arc challenged the patriarchal hierarchy of the Catholic Church by claiming direct communication with the divine. A story like hers felt like it needed a punk rock soundtrack. There are so many different styles of punk music, and just as many differing opinions, stories, and characterisations of Joan. The thing about history and memory is that many perspectives are often lost to the most prevalent narrative. In some ways, becoming officially part of the Catholic cannon diminishes Joan’s complexity. Before she was a saint, afterall, she was a child.
In my interpretation I have heeded the alternative opinions about her from the ghosts of her past, while also presenting what I believe is the more important truth; that because (not despite) of her layered and human nature, she has the ability to empower and transform us from the past, and inspire us into the future.
Q: Where did the inspiration for making it a rock musical come from? Did you have any specific references while you were writing the music?
Different stories lend themselves to different mediums, and I found when researching Joan that the story I wanted to tell would require an array of music styles, to express conflict, alternative ideas, and the many faces of Joan. Sainting Joan is full of homages to classic rock operas such as Jesus Christ Super Star. My musical references include The Last Dinner Party, The Ramones, King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard, Alanis Moriset, The Violent Femmes, and Nick Cave.
Q: What do you think will surprise audiences about this work?
Between the war, and the church, and the burning at the stake, I think audiences will be surprised to find a great deal of cheek. Cheekiness, afterall, is an important part of rebellion. Fascism will not withstand mockery.
Sainting Joan plays at Explosives Factory 20 - 30 May.
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