Explore the line between certainty and doubt in St. Thomas Players’ ‘Doubt: A Parable’
Published 12:00 am Thursday, January 18, 2018
- Becky Lippard as Sister Aloysius Beauvier. Lillie Oden as Mrs. Muller.
Submitted
This Tony Award- and Pulitzer Prize-winning drama explores the inextricable bond between faith and doubt when a steely nun accuses a beloved priest of inappropriate behavior with a child attending their school.
It is 1964 in the Bronx and Sister Aloysius fears Father Flynn may have taken advantage of his status and power over the students.
Where do you draw the line between suspicion and belief? Is Sister Aloysius determined to seek the truth, or turning gossip into a witch hunt? It was the word doubt that inspired John Patrick Shanley to write this powerful and provocative play, and doubt hangs in the air throughout. Get caught in the tangled web St. Nicholas Church School has gotten trapped in.
Produced by St. Thomas Players, Center for Faith & the Arts, and Lee Street theatre
“Doubt: A Parable,” written by John Patrick Shanley, will be directed by Claudia Galup, who shares her insight into this upcoming production:
“The play is set in 1964, in the Bronx where Shanley grew up and attended Catholic School run by the Sisters of Charity. The times were changing, and so was the Catholic Church. Vatican II changed many traditions, including Latin masses. Through Sister Aloysius, Father Flynn, Sister James and Mrs. Muller, ‘Doubt: A Parable’ examines the uncertainty that can result from change, and the clashes between genders, generations and cultures. I love this play. It is beautifully written; sparse and powerful. The cast, crew, and I have spent hours in exchange of ideas and of doubt. We are grateful for the opportunity to bring it to life.”
‘Doubt requires more courage than conviction does, and more energy; because conviction is a resting place and doubt is infinite—it is a passionate exercise. You may come out of my play uncertain. You may want to be sure. Look down on that feeling. We’ve got to learn to live with a full measure of uncertainty. There is no last word. That’s the silence under the chatter of our time.’ John Patrick Shanley
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Bill Reilly as Father Brendan Flynn
The cast includes Bill Reilly as Father Brendan Flynn, Becky Lippard as Sister Aloysius Beauvier, Emma Rose as Sister James, and Lillie Oden as Mrs. Muller. The Creative Team includes the talents of Claudia Galup as St. Thomas Players Artistic Director and production Director, David Carmichael as the Set Designer, Ryan Maloney as Lighting Designer, Caitlin Billings as Marketing Director, and Craig Kolkebeck as Lee Street theatre Artistic Director.
This production is inappropriate for young children. Performances will be held at Lee Street theatre, 329 N Lee St. Performances will run Jan. 18-20 and Jan. 25-27 at 7:30 p.m. with a special matinee performance Jan. 21 at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are $15+taxes and fees and available at www.leestreet.org or 704-310-5507.