I just saw the play Doubt: a parable with Sam Reid as the (only) male lead last night and i must talk about it before it escapes my mind into a deep void of forgottenness.
Firstly, BIG disclaimer that i am not and have never been religious-let alone Christian/Catholic so forgive me if that aspect of the play is undermined or simplified in my review-but I will be focusing on the aspect of doubt instead.
Essentially the entire play is the dilemma of whether or not Father Flynn (Sam Reid) behaved inappropriately with the only black child of a school.
Firstly, I love his sermons that Father Flynn gives to the audience throughout the play-not only do I love a nod to the audience in any play-it provides (possibly the only) insight into Father Flynn's mindset and perspective of the things occurring throughout the play.
The first sermon was of the concept of doubt and how it can bring people together in the same manner that certainty does and I think this a beautiful summary of the play as it not only leaves the characters split between the two sides, but also the audience.
This is especially apparent when Sister Aloysius (Pamela Rabe) speaks with the boy's mother (Zindzi Okenyo) about Father Flynns possible misdeeds and her response (although clearly upset) is "its just till June" which was just heartbreaking for me. This moment (and the mother as a character) adds further nuance between 'doubt' and 'certainty' where you've got wilful ignorance because, for a black person in the 60s, you've got to endure the most horrific situations in order to even have half the same opportunities of privileged white people-with poor Donald Muller having to keep silent about his possible sexual assault in order to even have a chance at going to college.
Throughout the play, there were many moments where I found myself glancing between two characters-waiting for the other shoe to drop, waiting for that 'i confess' moment-but that tension was never satisfied in a way that makes it all the more satisfying in the end when Father Flynn is confronted by Sister Aloysius about contacting a nun at his previous place of employment that makes him leave on his own accord.
It isnt until its revealed that she lied, that she never made such phone call and that his sudden absence was a promotion is when the audience (or at least me!) is filled with disappointment at the idea that he got away...but its when Sister Aloysius breaks down to Sister James (Shannen Alyce Quan) that she has doubts is when I really thought of this as a highlight play in my theatre going experience.
Not to ramble for much longer but Sister Alouisus has been characterised as such a stoic wise woman throughout the play that when she confesses her doubts its leaves us in doubt as well as the stage dims to darkness.
Overall it is a wonderful play and you should definitely take the time to see it (even if it isnt with this particular cast) as the short cast number (four) damn near guarantees a tight-knit intense atmosphere in the best way.
