Joan and the Fire at Trap Door Theatre

Chicago Reader - Highly Recommended

"...Joan is played by three actors: a resolute Cat Evans, who looks every bit as if they have seen visions beyond mortal ken; Emily Nichelson, who memorably combines grace and steel in her silent portrayal of Joan in battle; and Juliet Kang Huneke, whose youthful presence reminds us that Joan was said to be an illiterate peasant girl. Together they animate Joan like an icon, joining bodies and voices in sculptural and sonic portrayal of the legend."

Chicago Stage and Screen - Highly Recommended

"...As an audience member you can watch the main moment or you can watch any of the different characters and you’ll see a different story. It’s like Hellzapoppin’ in service of social and political satire. The ensemble does a great job working together on everything in the entire production, from taking tickets at the door, to helping seating, and playing live music above the stage before the show, to moving the one set piece around, and creating their strong characters, beautiful stage pictures, and morphing from one moment to the next. The set might be small theatre, but they joyfully use every inch of it, as well as the off-stage areas too."

Around The Town Chicago - Highly Recommended

"...Joan of Arc is a symbol for nationalist crusaders, a religious icon, a mascot for dairy products, and has been a figure of fascination to dramatists of tragedy for hundreds of years. She was even a real person. As for what she might think of the way she’s been used, that’s the question Romanian-French author Matei Vişniec explored in his 2008 play Joan and the Fire. Trap Door theatre, which has gained a wealth of experience mounting Vişniec’s non-naturalistic works, is now debuting an original English translation in a production directed by Nicole Wiesner. It’s a show that features a multitalented ensemble, endlessly creative staging, and sweet, evocative original music by Danny Rockett, but is also deeply melancholic."

Third Coast Review - Highly Recommended

"...Joan and the Fire, Trap Door Theatre’s latest production, by Romanian playwright Matei Vișniec, takes us back to the Middle Ages to argue about history. The story is told by an all-female cast, costumed in vogueish black leather shifts and tights, black and red accessories, and colorful ribbons—lots of ribbons—that serve multiple purposes. Nicole Wiesner directs this meditation on the Hundred Years War with the outrageous panache we expect from Trap Door. The script was translated by Jeremy Lawrence."