“Innocence can only be wisdom in a world without evil“ declares Sister Aloysius in John Patrick Shanley’s Pulitzer Prize- and Tony Award-winning drama Doubt – A Parable.
Doubt is set in 1964 in the Bronx. As a “fierce moral guardian” Sister Aloysius, headmistress of a Catholic school, makes it her personal responsibility to care for her students’ well-being, especially for the school’s first and only African-American student, Donald Muller. She advises Sister James, the novice nun and new 8th grade teacher, to “pay attention to [her] class,” to “be hard on the bright ones” and to be watchful for evil within the school. In addition, the strict, old-fashioned nun closely observes Father Flynn, the modern, open-minded physical and religious education teacher, searching for evidence which would confirm her suspicions of child-molestation by the young priest
When Sister James informs her that Donald Muller returned from the rectory acting strangely and with alcohol on his breath, Sister believes her assumptions have been confirmed. Reluctant to leave the matter to Monsignor Benedict who “thinks the sun rises and sets on Father Flynn,” she sets out on a personal crusade to protect the children entrusted to her care. The result is a play that leaves the truth untold. Doubt keeps its audience in a constant state of ambiguity, somewhere between belief, deception and the feeling of not knowing whom to trust.
Lexi von Hoffmann gives an outstanding performance as Sister Aloysius. Despite being a hardened agnostic, von Hoffmann fits her role “to a t.” With her partly cool and partly stern facial expressions she is successfully able to convey her character’s strict and old-school behavior in a most appealing manner. Although representing a traditional, stubborn old nun, von Hoffmann manages to gain the audience’s sympathy and is exceptionally convincing in her complex role. Her, at times, witty and implicitly caring remarks and statements define the way the spectators perceive her: as a strict, but caring, and responsible clergywoman who is determined to do whatever she can to protect her students and who, in the end, falls to pieces stricken with sorrow and “doubt.”
In Doubt, the only character who knows for sure whether or not the allegations against the priest are false is Father Flynn, brilliantly played by Harald Djürken. Right in the beginning of the production Djürken, as Father Flynn, sets the mood with his passionate sermon, in which he introduces the parable’s theme to the audience. “What do you do when you are not sure”, is the question that haunts the entire play. Djürken was suitably cast for the role of the progressive, laid-back priest. He is able to play the different facets of this intricate character who on the one hand is modern, easy-going and all smiles, yet on the other hand is manipulative and almost intimidating. Father Flynn seems to be able to sweet-talk himself out of harm’s way and in doing so he obtains Sister James’ sympathy. Subsequently, as the name of the play suggests, Doubt successfully cascades the audience into a continual turmoil of uncertainty.
24-year-old Ellen Bergmann appropriately portrays the young and enthusiastic novice, Sister James. As the school’s new 8th grade teacher, energetic Sister James seems to have the desire to please everybody within the church and school: her headmistress, her students, Father Flynn and Monsignor Benedict. Although she has her heart in the right place, Sister James gives the impression of being naïve and easily influenced. Bergmann perfectly portrays this trait through her lively voice, which often rises to a higher pitch. She smiles a great deal, appears to see the good in everything and, in a fidgety sort of manner, impeccably acts the part of the pure-minded and passionate young nun.
Last but not least, Eve Harris’ performance as Mrs. Muller is worth commenting on. The native South African actress appears only once on stage during scene VIII. In this part of the play she is called into Sister Aloysius’ office to have a talk about the suspicions pertaining to her son and Father Flynn. Mrs. Muller’s response to the priest’s alleged improper conduct is perhaps the biggest surprise in Doubt. Although motivated by the need to protect Donald she claims that “you accept what you gotta accept.” Harris exquisitely fulfills her role of an African-American woman in the 1960’s, who is more than thankful that her son is able to attend a good school.
In addition to the fine work of these actors, Doubt is able to captivate the audience’s attention by never explicitly saying what Sister Aloysius’ suspicions are. During the entire play these allegations are circumscribed with various phrases and metaphors, for instance, “you know what I’m talking about”, “a man who would do this”, “prior history of infringements”, or “the little sheep lagging behind is the one the wolf goes for.” This circumstance enhances the audience’s feeling of deception and belief and leaves the theatergoers in “doubt” even towards the end of the production.
Doubt – A parable is an intriguing theatrical performance by The Hamburg Players. It is entertaining and, at times, disturbingly ambivalent. Ultimately, not even the audience can agree on whether or not Father Flynn is innocent. Therefore, one can only recommend this play, since it addresses issues that even today prevail in our society. Churches, priests and the general public deal with these issues almost on a daily basis. This production calls attention to this situation and leaves the people wondering and assuming in “doubt.”
