Department theatre presents ‘Doubt: A Parable’

Jan. 23, 2017 | Theatre |

The Department of Theatre performed John Patrick Shanley’s “Doubt: A Parable” at 7 p.m. Thursday, Jan. 26, through Saturday, Jan. 28, in the Administration Auditorium.

Doubt is a dramatic play set in St. Nicholas Church school in the Bronx, New York in fall 1964. The story surrounds a nun, Sister Aloysius, who suspects a priest, Father Flynn, of an inappropriate relationship with an altar boy. The play does not affirm or deny the nun’s suspicions but leaves the audience with its own doubts or resolutions. The work was turned into an Academy Award nominated film starring Philip Seymour Hoffman as Father Flynn and Meryl Streep as Sister Aloysius.

Britton Lynn, associate professor of theatre, directed the play and said it offered new experiences for students in the play.

“It is a challenge for a performer to develop a character arc when there are only four characters responsible for carrying the show forward,” Lynn said. “It was a good opportunity for four of our acting students to develop their skills.”

Adam Leasure, playing Father Flynn, said playing the role of the priest is challenging, but he is honored to be part of the story.

“The play explores the concept of doubt and how we, as people, handle our doubt differently. The main message of the show, in my opinion, is that when we are lost, we are not alone,” Leasure said. “I believe that is an encouraging and uplifting message that everyone needs to hear. The subject matter is tough, but so are most things in life that make us stronger.”

In tackling a serious topic, “Doubt” looks at faith in the midst of turmoil.

“It is definitely a difference in tone from what we normally talk about. One of the underlying conversations with the material is that sometimes when you are a person of faith, it is not a comfortable position,” Lynn said. “The play does deal with some serious content where sometimes being a person of faith deals with grown-up issues and wrestles with keeping your faith while you’re dealing with difficult topics and issues, which I think is good for us.”