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“Like all good parables, its story feels both timeless and more timely than ever, its ideological arguments speaking to our world of social media silos and ‘Punch and Judy’ political debates.”
Arifa Akbar, The Guardian
John Patrick Shanley’s Doubt: A Parable, originally premiered on Broadway in 2005 and was awarded a Pulitzer prize and several Tony awards, including Best Play. Shanley went on to adapt this stage play for a 2008 film version starring Meryl Streep, which earned five Oscar nominations, including Best Adapted Screenplay and nominations for all of the cast of four.
This taut, unsettling drama is set in a convent in the parish of St Nicholas in New York’s Bronx, against the backdrop of the mid-60s, in the midst of political and social change.
A modernising priest’s conduct comes under question by the Principal of this Catholic School. As the actions and motivations of each are scrutinized and suspicion mounts, the two are drawn into a battle of wills that threatens irrevocable consequences for everyone involved.
This challenging, provocative drama, by this much garlanded playwright, is both impeccably written and compellingly topical. Unmissable.
Originally produced on Broadway
By Carole Shorenstein Hays, MTC Productions, Roger Berlind, and Scott Rudin on March 31, 2005.
Originally produced by the Manhattan Theatre Club on November 23, 2004.”
Director's Notes
I’m thrilled to bring this powerful and thought-provoking production of Doubt:A Parable to you.
Set in a 1960s Catholic school in the Bronx, this play centres on the growing suspicion toward a beloved priest, Father Flynn, and the turmoil that erupts when a nun, Sister Aloysius, suspects him of inappropriate behaviour toward a young boy. The brilliance of the play lies in the uncertainty—whether the accusation is true or not remains ambiguous, forcing us to confront how we deal with suspicion when the truth is out of reach.
For those who loved the film adaptation, starring the extraordinary Meryl Streep, Philip Seymour Hoffman, Amy Adams, and Viola Davis (all 4 receiving Oscar nominations), our production channels that same intensity.
Behind the scenes, I’ve taken the bold step of holding confidential discussions with each actor about what they believe has or hasn’t happened—especially the actor playing Father Flynn. Crucially, none of them know each other’s interpretations. Only I and Father Flynn know the truth, keeping the actors in suspense—an approach that leads to a raw and honest dynamic. This ensures that every performance is fresh, as the cast navigates uncertainty just as their characters do.
As the New York Times said, “Doubt is a masterful exploration of human frailty and moral ambiguity.” Our dedicated cast and crew have worked tirelessly to bring this truth to life, and I’ve loved every moment of rehearsal. We hope you leave with your own doubts, making your journey home an exciting reflection.
Join us in this unforgettable exploration, where only the truth we uncover together will guide us to the final answer.
Chris Gilbey-Smith
Director
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