03/07/08 - "The talent level of these students is quite exceptional," said Jennifer Dott, co-chair of the Shakespeare Competition

Caroline Kitchener of Convent of the Sacred Heart performs Joan of Arc’s monologue from “Henry VI” during the Shakespeare Competition at the Cole Auditorium, Greenwich Library, yesterday.
(Bob Luckey Jr./Staff photos)

A woman's protest for equality takes Shakespeare contest

Standing on a bare stage with no props or costume, Caroline Kitchener, 16, passionately performed Joan of Arc's monologue in which she defends her decision to fight among men for her country.

"Ask me what question thou canst possible, And I will answer unpremeditated: My courage try by combat, if thou darest, And thou shalt find that I exceed my sex," from Shakespeare's "Henry VI."

Caroline, a 10th-grader at Convent of the Sacred Heart, won first place for her performance of the passage, as well as Sonnett 92, at yesterday's Shakespeare Competition held in the Cole Auditorium at Greenwich Library.......