A non-binary Joan of Arc? Great. Now theatre should take the next step | Letter

Louise Branch calls for playwrights to portray male historical figures such as Henry V as non-binary or trans

Re the interview with Charlie Josephine, whose depiction of a non-binary Joan of Arc is causing controversy (‘I forgot I was blaspheming a saint!’ – Charlie Josephine on writing a non-binary Joan of Arc, 29 August), I think that the play sounds like an intriguing discourse on gender and agree that it isn’t taking anything away from anyone. However, can I suggest a much more innovative and unexpected challenge to the gender narrative? How about a play about a male historical figure who is portrayed as non-binary or trans? How exciting it would be to see Richard the Lionheart or Henry V as strong, ruthless, flawed and non-binary, or trans individuals who reject male stereotyping and feel most female when at their most powerful.

How about it, playwrights? Let’s challenge that gender narrative.
Louise Branch
Clevedon, Somerset

Have an opinion on anything you’ve read in the Guardian today? Please email us your letter and it will be considered for publication.

Letters

The GuardianTramp

Related Content

Article image
Why gender identity should be left out of the ‘conversion therapy’ ban | Letter
Letter: Evidence shows that the majority of gender-distressed children who are not ‘affirmed’ in their cross-sex identification outgrow those feelings, write Maya Forstater and Helen Joyce

Letters

20, Apr, 2022 @4:57 PM

Article image
Divisions that remain on transgender issues | Letters
Letters: Dr Eve Jeffrey on the power dynamics in any discussion of trans rights and Claire Loneragan on women’s sex-based rights

Letters

23, Jun, 2022 @5:01 PM

Article image
Transgender rights are not a threat to feminism | Letters
Letters: Readers Readers respond to the Guardian’s editorial, a recent letter, and other media coverage of the debate surrounding the consultation on reform of the Gender Recognition Act

Letters

18, Oct, 2018 @5:39 PM

Article image
Differing perspectives on transgender rights | Letters
Letters: Readers respond to an article by Suzanne Moore

Letters

04, Mar, 2020 @6:30 PM

Article image
‘I forgot I was blaspheming a saint!’ – Charlie Josephine on writing a non-binary Joan of Arc
The Globe theatre sparked outrage when it announced its plans to stage a non-binary Joan of Arc. The play’s writer explains why the French warrior would have approved

Kate Wyver

29, Aug, 2022 @6:00 AM

Article image
Gender identity treatment needs greater caution | Letter
Letter: Dr David Bell, former staff governor at the Tavistock and Portman NHS foundation trust, on its Gender Identity Development Service

27, Jan, 2023 @5:29 PM

Article image
Transgender activist Julia Grant made her mark in unions too | Letter
Letter: Steve Pound MP on the wider legacy of the trans rights campaigner

Letters

10, Jan, 2019 @5:26 PM

Article image
When football matters more than theatre | Brief letters
Brief letters: Man Utd v Oldham Coliseum | Toilet dread | The con in consultant | Middle age | Clement Freud

20, Feb, 2023 @5:18 PM

Article image
‘I wanted to channel the anger’: Europe's fearless political playwrights
They’ve stormed the Reichstag, turned terrorism into absurd comedy and asked their audiences for answers. Meet five theatre-makers grappling with crises across the continent

Daniel Boffey, Constanze Letsch, Philip Oltermann, Helena Smith and Kit Gillet

12, Feb, 2018 @7:00 AM

Article image
Trans rights in Scotland and a constitutional clash | Letters
Letters: Readers respond to commentary on the UK government’s decision to block Scotland’s proposed gender recognition law

24, Jan, 2023 @6:14 PM