Acclaimed drama kicks off Little Theatre season
It is widely acclaimed as one of the best dramatic scripts to come out of America in many years.
John Patrick Shanley's 'Doubt' has been made into a major motion picture starring Meryl Streep and Philip Seymour Hoffman, and it kicks off Athlone Little Theatre's new season from Friday, October 14 next to Wednesday, October 19.
'Doubt' tells the tense, utterly absorbing story of a priest accused of inappropriate conduct towards a young boy in a Catholic school in the Bronx in the 1960s. Brilliantly written and always subtle, the play traces the first flowering of suspicion in the mind of the school's principal, Sister Aloysius, which finds its echo in an incident observed by the young, naïve Sister James. In a scene of almost unbearable dramatic tension, the nuns confront the priest with their suspicions.
The priest offers a compelling rebuttal which convinces Sister James, but the older, conservative Sr Aloysius remains determined. Her problem is that she is a woman in an institution where men hold all the power, and there is no superior she can go to with her suspicions. Another difficulty, of course, is that outside of her own experience and instinct, Sr. Aloysius really has almost nothing in the way of actual evidence.
In 'Doubt,' you, the audience, are called on to play a unique role. You are not just people watching a play; you are the judge and jury. Did he or didn't he? Is Sr. Aloysius a wise old protector of the young who truly senses a wolf in her flock, or simply a prejudiced woman resentful of a charismatic man who represents a younger, brighter church?
The play never provides comfortable answers to any of these questions. It is a unique piece of theatre in the sense that it invites us all to participate in the shared exercise of doubt. Shanley's sparse, ingenious script subtly plays with our expectations.
Likewise, the sermons of the warm, empathic Fr Flynn can be interpreted on many levels. Are they a genuine attempt to reach out to the better natures of his parishioners, or are they instead a studied exercise in hypocrisy and spite? The genius of Shanley's script is that while you may form strong opinions, you can never really be sure.
According to the playwright, we can only call ourselves real adults, true grown ups, fully human, if we experience doubt.
Short by the standards of most plays, 'Doubt' offers crackling dialogue and moments of absolutely gripping suspense. For this most challenging and enjoyable of dramas, Director Mel O'Flynn has assembled a powerhouse cast at the peak of their form.
If you enjoyed Meryl Streep's performance in the Hollywood movie, then prepare to be utterly transfixed by Annette Dowling's interpretation of Sr Aloysius.
One of Athlone's most intelligent and gifted actresses, Annette gives a performance of great subtlety in one of the most interesting stage roles written for a woman in recent years.
The fascinating, perplexing part of Father Flynn is played by Ronan Flynn, who stole the show last year as Ivan in Conor McPherson's 'The Seafarer,' and who has established himself in a very short time as one of Athlone's most gifted and perceptive character actors.
The pivotal role of Sister James is played by one of the most talented young actresses to come to Athlone Little Theatre in many years. Maria Griffin wowed and delighted audiences last year in 'Barefoot in the Park,' and she is the perfect choice for this superb ensemble piece.
The Little Theatre is also delighted to welcome a very talented newcomer, Rosemary Salaja, in the role of Mrs Muller, mother of the young boy, who gives the play some of its most powerful moments of pathos.
The fifth character in the play is a fabulous set designed and built by Dermot McManus and 'Work it Out' Ireland, with whom the Little Theatre continues to enjoy a very fruitful association. Art work is by Olivia Grogan. The stage manager is Mildred Henehan and lighting is by Anne Foy.
The Little Theatre's production of 'Doubt' promises to be an inspired interpretation of a play that should not be missed. This is set to be one of the most unforgettable nights of local theatre for many a long year.
'Doubt' runs at the Little Theatre from Friday, October 14 to Wednesday, October 19. Bookings can be had by contacting the Theatre at 090 64 74324. With a pulsating script, sensitive production and fantastic cast, early booking is most definitely advisable.
