Faith should not enslave our minds but open them

The Globe welcomes a brand-new production of Helen Edmundson's 2012 critically acclaimed RSC play about the Mexican nun and genius scholar Juana Ines de la Cruz. Edmundson's writing expertly makes use of contrasting plot devices typical of Spanish Golden Age theatre; intrigue and danger, passion and politics, comedy and tragedy. This production forms part of the 2015 Justice and Mercy programme that marks the departure of artistic director Dominic Dromgoole.

WHO WAS Juana Ines de la Cruz?

De la Cruz was a rare treasure in 17th century Spanish-ruled Mexico; at three years old she could reportedly read and write Latin; at five do accounts, and later went on to teach Latin to students at the tender age of 14. Rather than succumb to marriage offers, she entered convent life, hoping to continue her scholarly activities. However, Edmundson shows the struggle of Juana as she is caught between two ruling powers of the Church; the austere, self-flagellating archbishop who fervantly opposes female learning, and another, less severe bishop who encourages her to follow her faith yet continue her studies.

This precarious balancing act finally topples when a rival nun, jealous of Juana's intellect and attention from the Bishop, betrays her to the religious authorities and forces her to face the Inquisition, where she meets her doom.