The Opera Company of Middlebury will host a conversation with Middlebury College history professor Louisa Burnham on Friday, Sept. 17, from 4-5 p.m., in Unity Hall, at the Congregational Church, 30 North Pleasant Street in Middlebury.

Burnham has explored the life and times of Joan of Arc who was born in the northeast of France and rallied French soldiers to drive English troops from her country. She was captured in 1430 and burned at the stake a year later on May 30, 1431, at what is estimated to have been 19 years of age.

This discussion will provide background to the Opera Company of Middlebury’s upcoming production of “The Maid of Orleans” by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky. Former OCM board member David Clark will interview Burnham, and there will be an opportunity to meet her after the program.

This event is free to attend, and all are invited. Everyone wishing to attend is asked to wear a mask and be vaccinated. For those unable to attend, Middlebury Community Television will record the discussion for later broadcast.

For more information, email [email protected], call (802) 388-7432 or visit ocmvermont.org.

Looking for more discussion?

Free talks about “The Maid of Orleans” will be given at St. Stephen’s Episcopal Church in Middlebury one hour before each performance, Oct. 1-9.