Where is the boundary between the truth and lies? At first, it would appear that we are talking about opposite concepts, but “Doubt, a Parable” shows us that truth and lies are interconnected to each other. Furthermore, the road to find the truth can sometimes push people to fall in lies and ethical dilemmas.
This is precisely the situation where Father Flynn (Giovanni Mocibob), a priest and teacher at St. Nicholas Church School, faces. Father Flynn is suspected by the Principal of the school, Sister Aloysius (Erla Faye Forsyth), to have an inappropriate relationship with the only African-American student in the school, Donald Muller. As the rumour starts spreading around, Sister Aloysius and Father Flynn find themselves in a situation where both will defend their reputation at any cost – including techniques and resources that would be deemed unethical under normal circumstances. But in a situation where the ethics of each party is in doubt, what is ethical and what is unethical anymore? Who tells truths, and who tells lies?
The cast is completed by the more naive and well-intentioned teacher of Donald Muller, Sister James (Kaitlin Williams), as well as Donald Muller’s mother (Leslie Lewis Sword), a rather chaotic character who doesn’t seem to mind crossing any ethical boundary for the sake of having her son graduating from school. As characters indirectly involved in the situation between Sister Aloysius and Father Flynn, their beliefs and behaviours prove to be critical to choose guilty parties in this story, which plays with the concept of doubt beyond imagination.
“Doubt, A Parable” is a highly recommended play that never falls in dullness or predictability. Using an interesting mixture of philosophy, sarcasm, and hints of twisted humour, this play will keep the audience constantly interested in the storyline, which runs for about 120 minutes (including a 15 minute intermission). The agile use of props, changes of scenerios, and minimal sound and visual effects, also help to keep the play flowing smoothly, which enhances the overall performance and permits to incorporate a considerable amount of scenes in a very reasonable timeframe.
“Doubt, A Parable” is a must-see play directed by Ron Reed and presented from March 2nd until the 31st at the Pacific Theatre, located at 1440 West 12th Avenue, Vancouver.
