The Passion of Joan of Arc’ at Plaza Atlanta

CRITIC’S PICK
Mon., July 7

Any opportunity to see Theodor Dreyer's 1928 silent film ‘The Passion of Joan of Arc’ is not to be missed. This particular screening is the first installment in a triptych titled “Reveries: Transformative Visions & Soundscapes in Silent Films.”

Distinguished by Renée Falconetti’s mesmerizing portrayal of the title character, ‘The Passion of Joan of Arc’ was originally censored by the Catholic Church and the French government, which did not appreciate the Danish filmmaker’s historically accurate depiction of religious authorities as duplicitous, hypocritical sadists.

In 1995, inspired by a screening of the film, Richard Einhorn composed ‘Voices of Light’ for small orchestra, chorus, and soloists with a libretto derived from ancient writings by medieval female mystics and excerpts from Jeanne d’Arc’s trial transcript. The music, like the film, is equal parts astonishingly beautiful and heart-wrenchingly unnerving. These days, Einhorn’s work is widely regarded the ne plus ultra soundtrack for Dreyer’s cinematic masterpiece. – Doug DeLoach