Suzanne Savoy brings to life a fierce advocate for the dignity and power of women in her moving portrayal of Christine de Pizan: 15th Century French poet of remarkable range, pioneering artist/entrepreneur, philosopher, and adviser to kings and queens.
Translated from the original middle French by Ms. Savoy, the 70 minute solo performance is presented entirely in Christine de Pizan’s own words. The first woman in Europe to make her living as a professional writer, she was a major voice in the introduction of Humanism to the Continent at the end of the Middle Ages, and remains a model to this day for any struggling artist/entrepreneur.
Je Christine includes de Pizan’s fiery public defense of women against the major literati of her time, as well as the true tale – told in verse – of a magical visit to her daughter. In the play de Pizan also shares a glimpse of the training she provided for the French heir-apparent, including studies in leadership, international law, and military strategy. Perhaps best of all, Savoy interprets how de Pizan herself might have performed some of the poetry that made her famous.
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www.jechristine.com
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From the Montauk Library:
Je Christine
Suzanne Savoy
Actor & Playwright
This dramatic performance brings late-medieval literary figure Christine de Pizan to life. Suzanne Savoy’s tour-de-force, Je Christine, is an intimate depiction of de Pizan’s life when climate change, epidemics, civil unrest, political division, and foreign invasion devastated the country. Born in Venice in 1364 and married at age 15 to a French nobleman, she was widowed at twenty-five, after which she supported her mother, children and nieces through her writing. Her works include courtly poetry, a book on warfare and chivalry, the official biography of Charles V, and her beautifully illuminated The Treasure of the City of Women.
Suzanne Savoy is an educator, actor and designer. She has a recurring role on House of Cards and appears in a new film, The Untouchables. A graduate of the National Theatre School of Canada, Ms. Savoy has performed in numerous productions of classical works. As an educator, she created, designed, and directed productions based on classical literature.
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