Doubt – A Parable

When a play is as good as Doubt, and it has been filmed starring Meryl Streep and Phillip Seymour Hoffman, you might be inclined to think that there is nothing to be gained by seeing it live on stage. Well, you would be wrong and run the risk of missing this terrific production. RL Productions has mounted a gem of a show in Chapel off Chapel’s Loft which really is a must see for lovers of good drama.

Shanley’s play explores what happens when you give a voice to doubt or suspicion – and how it is impossible to undo whatever is set in motion. Sister Aloysius is the Principal of a Catholic school with mostly Irish and Italian students. When she becomes suspicious that the parish priest, Father Flynn, is grooming the only black boy in the school for an illicit relationship, she sets about to systematically destroy him…and ends up having doubts of her own.

Penny Larkins is a Tour de Force as the brittle Nun, Sister Aloysius. She seeks and finds all the complexities of the repressed woman who is, on one hand, a cold and compassionless martinet; and, on the other, a woman truly concerned for her students. Whilst many of us know Larkins better from Musical Theatre, she is a fine actress and even the odd flubbed line on opening night could not detract from her powerful performance. Daniel Humphris is terrifically cast as Father Flynn, full of charm and genuine care for his charges, yet always managing to fan the flame of suspicion within us. He and Larkins truly excel in their scenes together and the underlying tension is fierce at times.

Krista Thompson is totally convincing as the young nun, Sister James, who finds herself questioning her superiors but is afraid to speak up for what she believes. The fact that Larkins towers over her and is physically intimidating only adds extra tension to what unfolds. Tariro Mavondo gives a strong performance as the mother of the negro boy, and is quite chilling when she announces that even if the rumour is true, her son is expendable sexually if it gets him a good education – “It’s only till June.”

Jacob Battista is finally hitting his straps as a set designer, after a couple of hit and miss years. His rostrum stage and monochrome set work a treat. Christian Horoszczak  has created a subtle yet stunning lighting plot and Dan Nixon’s soundscape is spot on throughout….the music cues, sounds of children, building site noises and other effects are suitably nuanced but balance the action perfectly and are a huge contribution to the play.

This is a small but perfectly formed production which clearly has loving commitment from everyone involved. It’s only a short run, but put it on your “Must See” list.

Coral Drouyn 

Photographer: Simon Fitzpatrick.