CA's Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum will celebrate the nation's independence with George Bernard Shaw's Saint Joan, opening on July 4.

Shaw wrote Saint Joan in 1923, at the time when Joan of Arc was finally canonized by the Catholic Church. With the play, which explores the meaning of sainthood, Shaw concludes that a saint is usually so upsetting during his or her own time, the person is frequently murdered. Joan was made a saint only when she was no longer considered a threat.

Melora Marshall will play the role of the martyr, with her sister, Ellen Geer, directing. Other cast members include Sheridan Crist as the Dauphin, Tom Allard as the Archbishop and Keith Jefferson as Dunios. Other actors include David Ellenstein, Leonard Kelly Young, Milan Dragicevich, Earnestine Phillips, John Lohr, John Staley, Steven Matt, David Kieran, Aaron Hendry and Mike McColl.

The play runs through Sept. 10 at Theatricum Botanicum, 1419 N. Topanga Canyon Blvd. in Topanga. Call (310) 455-3723 for information.

-- By Sean McGrath