In this version of the story of Joan of Arc, Brecht transforms her into "Joan Dark", a member of the "Black Straw Hats" (a Salvation Army-like group) in 20th-century Chicago.
Brecht reworks the tale of Joan of Arc into a new narrative where she is portrayed as "Joan Dark", a figure affiliated with the "Black Straw Hats" (a group akin to the Salvation Army) in modern-day Chicago.