on the cover
NO DOUBT
ABOUT IT
John Patrick Shanley’s
thought-provoking drama
comes to Newport
By BARBARA B. COVELL
For the TODAY
If certainty is the human conviction or
sureness that something is true, then what
is doubt? Is it that nagging uncertainty or
lack of sureness for something construed as
fact? And how do doubt and certainty play
a role in our lives, our belief systems and our
society as a whole?
This is the gripping concept of “Doubt:
A Parable” by John Patrick Shanley, the
latest production from Red Octopus
Theatre Company. It oozes relevance to our
society today, yet Shanley penned this script
in 2004. Relevance is timeless, as told in this
riveting story about the human tendency
to ignore evidence and reason. Are ethical
concepts always presented as truth?
Director Bonnie Ross guides stunning
performances by Nathan Bush and Linda
Capshaw, theater veterans who deliver
polished interpretations as Father Flynn
and Sister Aloysius at the St. Nicholas
Church School in 1964. Father Flynn
is a much-beloved, progressive parish
priest who addresses head-on the value of
uncertainty.
“Doubt can be a bond as powerful and
sustaining as certainty,” he says.
Sister Aloysius is the rigid and
conservative principal, driven by a sense
of duty to be constantly vigilant. Aloysius
fosters deep mistrust toward her students,
her fellow teachers and society in general.
Sister Aloysius conveys her severe
manner and harsh criticisms to the
impressionable, naive young nun, Sister
James, portrayed by Autumn Green.
Green is exceptional in delivering a pliable
performance and plays right into Sister
Aloysius’ hand. Sister James tells Sister
Aloysius she witnessed Father Flynn
meeting privately with Donald Muller, the
first African American student to attend St.
CHRIS GRAAMANS
Linda Capshaw as Sister Aloysius (foreground)
with Autumn Green as Sister James
CHRIS GRAAMANS
Nathan Bush as Father Flynn and Autumn Green as Sister James
Nicholas Church School. The circumstances
surrounding the private meeting lead
Aloysius to suspect sexual misconduct.
The following interactions between
Flynn, Aloysius, James and Mrs. Muller,
played by Meagan Amos, are so beautifully
crafted that audiences will understand why
the Shanley won the 2005 Pulitzer Prize
for Drama and Tony Award for Best Play.
Director Ross’ interpretation honors the
writer’s work.
Shanley’s message, as stated in the
preface to the play: “There is an uneasy time
when belief has begun to slip but hypocrisy
has yet to take hold, when the consciousness
is disturbed but not yet altered. It is the
most dangerous, important, and ongoing
experience of life. The beginning of change
is the moment of Doubt. It is that crucial
moment when I renew my humanity or
become a lie.”
“There are no resolutions — only
questions, only doubt,” Ross said. “Why if
we hold doubts, why do we not heed them?
We can’t know everything with certainty.
14 • oregoncoastTODAY.com • facebook.com/oregoncoasttoday • November 1, 2019
Father Flynn says certainty is an emotion,
not a fact. If so many of our beliefs and
decisions are based on partial information,
how can we be certain of anything? And
how do we live with doubt? How can we be
so certain and yet be so wrong? If we must
live with doubt, then we should embrace it,
as well as our certainty.”
This is not a religious or political
play, but a narrative that explores ethical
concepts. It runs 90 minutes and there is no
intermission. But clearly the “second act”
is what happens when audiences leave the
theatre and discuss their opinions of the
events.
“It is a parable which delineates a
universal truth,” Ross said, “the relevancy of
which is profoundly apparent in our time,
when so much misinformation is spread so
rapidly, and we simply don’t take the time to
process or question.”
Ross achieves her intent with excellent
actors. The set, designed by Ross, is
minimal, which pays homage to an “actor’s
play” with tasty dialogue.
CHRIS GRAAMANS
Nathan Bush as Father Flynn
Stage manager is Barbara Berge, light
design by Ron Miller, light operator is
Dean Seanor, sound operator is Desiree
Cole, costumes by Bonnie Ross, and crew is
Karole Vesnaugh-Pickett.
“Doubt: A Parable” runs from November 1
through 17, with performances at 7 pm every
Friday and Saturday as well as Thursday,
Nov. 14; and 2 pm matinées on Sunday, Nov.
10 and 17. Tickets, $22 for adults or $16 for
students and seniors, are available at www.
coastarts.org or by calling 541-265-ARTS.