Doubt: A Parable

A fascinating, compelling production by Apocalypse Theatre Company - 90 minutes of dramatic explosions of inner turmoils and emotions by an excellent cast.

Doubtis a thrilling, intense, dark and emotional drama set in the 1960’s, in a convent school in the Bronx. It is the story of a school principal, Sister Aloysious (Belinda Giblin), who suspects a young priest Father Flynn (Damien de Montemas) of an improper relationship with a young black African-American student. Suspicions arise when a young nun, Sister James (Matilda Ridgway), raises her ‘misinterpreted’ suspicions and doubts to the principal. The student’s mother Mrs Muller (Charmaine Bingwa) reveals that her son ‘may be that way’.

Against the backdrop of the grey stone walls of the convent, the set designed by Jonathan Hindmarsh, and the intimate setting of the Old Fitz Theatre, tensions arise that make the theatre almost claustrophobic with the magnificent emotions of the cast. It was very moving. The opening scene of Father Flynn with a speech about uncertainty and doubt towards the audience as though they were part of the sermon, set against a single shining light

on Flynn, set the scene magnificently against the set in the dark (lighting design by Alexander Berlage).

It was a privilege to see Doubt: A Parable, an award winning play by John Patrick Shanley, winner of both the Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award. Well directed with a great cast.

Charlotte Hanson

Photographer: Robert Catto