Is it ever permissible to wage a one-person war against another when there's little – if any – proof that your actions are justified? Is it enough to go with your gut instinct – just because you "know people"? Or as Father Flynn says in his opening sermon, "What do you do when you're not sure?"
That's the problem facing grade school principal Sister Aloysius in the powerful drama "Doubt" that had its second regional debut in as many weeks at the Detroit Repertory Theatre this past weekend.
John Patrick Shanley's multiple award-winning story navigates through ecclesiastical and moral minefields to explore the difficulties faced by people within the Catholic Church to weed out priests suspected of inappropriate behavior. Since nuns were at the bottom of the religious food chain, who would believe them if they came forward with their suspicions? And once revealed, whose career – and life – would be destroyed: The accused? Or the accuser?
And in this particular story, set in 1964, was Sister's actions the result of her intense dislike for the forward-thinking, warm-and-fuzzy priest? Or was she simply looking out for the best interests of the suspected victim, the school's only black student whom the priest has taken under his wing?
All of that comes sharply into focus in the Rep's engaging production staged by Charlotte Leisinger.
Armed with little more than vague observations, Sister Aloysius – an old-fashioned, no-nonsense nun with an intense hatred of ball point pens and secular Christmas Carols – confronts a beloved parish priest with her suspicions. He claims he's innocent, of course, and provides "proof" – which another nun, Sister James, believes. But the principal does not. So to what length will this strict disciplinarian go to remove this perceived threat from her school?
While there's plenty of doubt sewn into the script by the playwright, Leisinger underscores it though staging that often accentuates the shifting dynamics between and among the play's four characters. So she, too, sews doubt: At one point Sister Aloysius (played by Barbara Busby) has the upper hand, so she menacingly towers over Father Flynn (Ray Schultz); likewise, when the priest stakes out the high moral ground, he powerfully returns the favor. And when the principal confronts the possible victim's mother with her suspicions, Mrs. Muller (Janee Ann Smith) leaves little doubt about who's in control of the discussion.
And that's what makes this particular production of "Doubt" intriguing: These are very complicated, human characters struggling for survival in a situation each of them wishes would go away.
Busby's Sister Aloysius is not always the feared and stoic Sister Hitler. Instead, she shares with us her inner turmoil – the results of which make her sympathetic, and the show's final moments realistic (albeit not very dramatic or surprising).
Schultz makes Flynn a multi-layered, very likable character who you can't help but believe is innocent. But don't cross him!
Jenny Burleson, as the once-happy Sister James, lends fine support as the teacher who – because of this intrusion – has lost both her innocence and her enthusiasm for the job she once loved.
But of all the characters, Smith's Mrs. Muller seemed to resonate most with the crowd this past Friday night. And no wonder: Most people can't identify with a nun or priest, but a mother defending her cub – despite his nature – hits everyone close to home.
There IS one production detail I question, however: Written as a 90-minute one-act, the decision to insert an intermission – although at a logical point – is unfortunate, as it disrupts the natural flow and tension of the story that SHOULD seamlessly build to its intended climax.
(FOR "REVIEW BOX")
REVIEW:
'Doubt'
Detroit Repertory Theatre, 13103 Woodrow Wilson, Detroit. Thu.-Sun., through Dec. 31. Tickets: $17-$20. For information: 313-868-1347 or http://www.detroitreptheatre.com
