Shakespeare Downtown Presents “Saint Joan” for Free at The Battery

Forget London — everyone knows George Bernard Shaw really meant for all his plays to be performed outside in New York City in the summer. And now, thanks to Shakespeare Downtown, you don’t have to trek all the way to Central Park to catch one of his classics. Indeed, outdoor performances of Shaw’s “Saint Joan” are happening at The Battery from June 16 to June 26. And best of all, tickets are free.

No-charge tickets will be available before each performance at 5:45 p.m. at Battery Place and Broadway. Once you’re in, you’ll be able to scope out director Geoffrey Horne’s urgent take on the 1431 heresy trial of French military icon and religious martyr Joan of Arc (played by Billie Andersson).  

Shakespeare Downtown has been around for six seasons, with a mission of producing quality classical theater that is accessible to all New Yorkers and has included past productions such as Shakespeare’s “Romeo and Juliet,” “Richard III” and Chekhov’s “The Three Sisters.”  

photo: Amy Goossens