Beatrice Schiaffino is making her way from Rome to Prague this May. She is performing The High Priestess - Johanna at Prague’s 25th international festival, but this is a new take on her show, which has enjoyed enormous success in Italy. And here’s the twist – it’s the first time that it will be performed in English.

When I caught up with Beatrice, Rome was basking in one of those a gloriously sunny April days, with its cypress trees in majestic bloom. And yet, she had no time to enjoy any of this, being in the throes of rehearsals.

The High Priestess - Johanna is adapted from Andrea Balzola’s La Papessa – the story of a 9th Century saxon girl who defied the odds to educate herself to the highest level before, somewhat unexpectedly, becoming Pope.

Beatrice was drawn to the text for many reasons. Firstly, she says, it’s a great story in itself, against the backdrop of a tumultuous century. A further layer is the idea that the tale of female pope is either an urban myth, or, intriguingly, may have been erased from history, akin to Stalin’s enemies being erased from photographs. But the central issue is one which resonates over a millennium later – that of women trying to achieve gender equality.

She finds the story inspirational and optimistic, and she hopes that the show’s final message, imploring people to live in accordance with their own core values, beliefs, and inner desires, will resonate with audiences.

Beatrice has performed La Papessa extensively around Italy to critical acclaim. However, transitioning the text into English definitely presented her with challenges: the translation itself, but then the intonation and rhythm of the language.

Her eyes shine brightly as she anticipates its first outing in English in Prague and plans to use this as a launchpad to take the production even wider international audience.

Following its triumphant run at Milan Fringe last year, expectations are high.

Roger Kay, April 2026

Performance Details:
• The High Priestess - Johanna will be staged at Museum of Alchemists, 27th-30th May 2026 (times vary).
• https://www.praguefringe.com/programme/the-high-priestess-johanna/