what type of play is saint joan

Saint Joan is a play by George Bernard Shaw, first performed in 1923. It is a chronicle play in six scenes and an epilogue, depicting the story of Joan of Arc, a 15th-century French historical figure who was later canonized as a Catholic saint in 1920. The play reflects Shaws belief that the people involved in Joans trial acted according to what they thought was right, and he characterized it as "a tragedy without villains" and his "only tragedy"). The play follows historical events, portraying Joan as a tragic heroine who leads France to victory over the English through her innate intelligence and leadership, rather than supernatural guidance. Despite her military successes, she is captured, convicted of heresy, and burned at the stake, embodying the paradox that humans fear and often kill their saints and heroes. The play is structured into six scenes depicting Joans life and an epilogue concerning her legacy after her condemnation and execution.