Doubt - theatre review

COMPELLING: Jennifer Flowers and Christopher Gabardi in a scene from Doubt. Photo: Shane Reid.


Vice and Virtue by Linh

The State Theatre Company of South Australia presents a Sydney Theatre Company production of John Patrick Shanley's Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning play Doubt. Set in the Bronx during 1964 in St. Nicholas Catholic Church and School, the four character play deals with a nun's case against a priest she suspects of abusing a child's trust, and her personal conflict between faith and doubt.

The controversial undertones of child abuse and molestation within the church as a subject matter, makes Doubt thought provokingly powerful and leaves the audience doubtful as to who's guilty of anything.

The small ensemble cast superbly handles the text with sophistication and every character shines in this brilliantly crafted play.

Adelaide actress Kate Box portrays the angelic voiced Sister James with much innocence and a trusting nature. She adds passion to Sister James who wishes to connect with her students and convey an enthusiasm in teaching History.

Stage, film and television actor Christopher Gabardi plays the handsome and charming priest, Father Flynn with much charisma and is consistently suave throughout. He delivers Father Flynn's parabolic sermons with some seriousness yet at times is tongue in cheek. His character's personal interest in the Catholic School's only Negro child, Donald Muller, provides the play's catalyst of doubts and allegations.

A graduate of London's Academy of Live and Recorded Arts, Pamela Jikiemi gives a strong and assured performance as Donald's mother. The only character who doesn't harbour any doubts about anyone or anything, Mrs Muller seems unconcerned about Father Flynn's involvement with her son when questioned by Sister Aloysius.

Actor, director and multi-award winner Jennifer Flowers delivers a stunning performance as Sister Aloysius, the Principle of St. Nicholas Catholic School.
Jennifer shows Sister Aloysius' faith and dedication to her Church, while revealing a sharp wit and humour. It's a fascinating creation of how one woman's tiny seed of doubt can blossom into mistrust and hurt upon others, as well as herself.

John Patrick Shanley's script engages the audience without providing any concrete answers and Director Julian Meyrick helps glide the characters smoothly from one scene to another. Doubt leaves the audience wondering if blind faith is enough to bring someone to justice if moral certainty is lacking.