Doubt

Wednesday July 13, 2005

I don’t think I’ve been a suspicious person but I am now. Not sure why. Perhaps it’s because of my total immersion in the sexual abuse scandal that has racked or shall I say trapped the Church over the last four years. Actually, it has been for a much longer period. My first ‘exposure,’ if you will pardon the pun, was over twenty years ago but my cynicism did not burst into full bloom until the Boston explosion in January of 2002. I then realized that my story was not an isolated experience. it was only an echo of traumas that had yet to explode across the country, in fact, continue to explode across the world.

“Doubt” becomes a household word to criminal investigators. Sometimes it pertains to the suspect – we never sure until all the evidence is in. At other times, it pertains to the accuser, until all the evidence is in. It’s a damnable position to be in for all concerned.

With that exclaimer or confession, depending on one’s point of view, I am now ready to tell you about “Doubt.” It is a parable play by John Patrick Shanley, directed by Doug Hughes and now showing at the Walter Kerr Theatre in New York City.

The story takes place in 1964 at St. Nicholas Catholic School in the Bronx. Father Flynn played by Briane F. O’Byrne is the ‘curate.’ Sister Aloysius played by Cherry Jones is the school principal. Sister James, played by Heather Goldenhersh is the eighth grade teacher, and Mrs. Muller played by Adriane Lenox is the mother of twelve-year old Donald, the only black boy in the school, in whom Fr. Flynn takes a special interest. Donald never appears on stage. We meet only the four mentioned above.

Sister Aloysius is a formidable principal not to be reckoned with. She has her ways and she is not about to change them for anyone. She also has her suspicions and her suspects are guilty until proven innocent and she makes no beans about it. It is clear from the outset that her mind is open only to further closure on any and all issues about which she convinced.

People of Sr. Aloysius’ state and stature easily intimidate Sister James. She loves her students and she knows that teaching demands more than the basics of life. Her enthusiasm for her ‘vocation’ belies her innocence and leaves her vulnerable not so much to her students as to her principal. She is innocent but not naïve. She trusts her instincts but those in high places easily intimidate the innocent.

Fr. Flynn is a boyish priest who recognizes his own vulnerability but who trusts his instincts when it comes to the needs of a troubled young boy struggling with his color and identity whose father has little time for him.

Donald’s mother, Mrs. Muller, wants only what is best for her son no matter what the cost. If Father Flynn ‘befriends’ her son and crosses the boundaries, so be it if this is what it takes to get Donald to the next step toward success.

Suspicion is strong but the database is weak. There is doubt on all sides and it remains unresolved.

I have my own opinion but it would not be fair to reveal my verdict.

It’s an outstanding play. All four players deserve an Oscar but Sr. Aloysius takes the cake. We were sitting in the third row center, which allowed us to see every twitch in her facial expressions. We didn’t miss a trick. She is superb. Sr. James can go to the head of the class too. Fr. Flynn was typical of his time and Mrs. Muller spoke with the authority that only a black woman who has had to take the lead at home can exercise and she does it with such dignity.

I was pleasantly surprised by the humor skillfully woven into the story. It helped to soften the tension but it was not just camouflage. I could sense a bit of nostalgia in the audience.

It’s a must see play. Tell me what you think and then send me your verdict.

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