A Twenty-First Century Illumination: Suzanne Savoy as Christine de Pizan

Je Christine is an intimate and rousing experience of de Pizan's life in 14^th- and 15^th-Century France, when climate change, epidemics, civil unrest, political division, and foreign invasion hammered the country. Widowed at twenty-five, de Pizan supported her family solely through her writing, which included courtly poetry, a book on warfare and chivalry, the official biography of Charles V, and beautifully-illuminated allegorical works demanding respect for women.

Savoy treats us to a smattering of Christine's verse in Middle French but performs primarily in English tinged with an archaic French accent. Long-time collaborator Bill Burford directs the show, scheduled to tour universities, museums, theatres and other venues starting in January 2017.  "Working from the manuscripts, Suzy has produced an articulate translation of grace and precision," says Burford, "a rich contribution to understanding this foundational force in European literature."

Guillaume de Machaut's evocative compositions underscore the text; as an added delight, some venues will feature live performance of the music.  One such performance will be on April 29 at The Curtain in Austin, Texas, where torches illuminate the Elizabethan-style stage.  

Savoy is known for her recurring role as DNC Chairwoman Patti Whittaker in House of Cards, matriarch Victoria Robertson in Steven Soderbergh's The Knick, and numerous classical roles at theatres such as the Alley Theatre, Houston Shakespeare Festival, and NYC's The Shakespeare Project. She is represented on both coasts by Clear Talent Group.

"Christine sends a powerful message across six centuries," says Savoy. "She never let fear drive her choices, and she called on her people and her government to follow suit. That's a strong and meaningful precedent."

To watch scenes from Je Christine, and for booking and contact information, visit www.jechristine.com

Contact:

Michael Heitzler
[email protected]
917-658-8403

Photo - http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20161205/445804

SOURCE Clear Talent Group