Saint Joan of the Stockyards (Modern Plays)

In this version of the story of Joan of Arc, Brecht transforms her into Joan Dark, a member of the Black Straw Hats (a Salvation Army-like group) in twentieth century Chicago. The play charts Joans battle with Pierpont Mauler, the unctuous owner of a meat-packing plant. Like her predecessor, Joan is a doomed woman, a martyr and (initially, at least) an innocent in a world of strike-breakers, fat cats, and penniless workers. Like many of Brechts plays it is laced with humor and songs as part of its epic dramaturgical structure.

The play, which was never staged in Brechts lifetime, is published here with a new translation, a full introduction and Brechts own notes on the text.