Faithfully Rendered

Utilizing the period features of the building itself, Theatre Jezebel’s production exposed the stained glass windows to the murky light of dusk, bathing the stage in an ominous mist. This is pierced by Alison Peebles' unflinching performance as Sister Aloysius, which changes the play's subject from the possible sexual abuse of an altar boy, into a whole different animal.

Peebles’ performance places a conservative disciplinarian against the progressive liberality of the younger Sister James, creates a very clear dichotomy. Peebles is stern, cold and experienced whereas Sally Reid as Sister James is enthusiastic, kind and naturally credulous. Aloysius’ desire to protect the child mutates into a self-righteous quest to display her own power to the younger generation of teachers. She uses her position of status to exert control and to force her viewpoints onto the young James and the liberal Father Flynn, but she is in turn thwarted by the power structure of church and the difficult position of women within it. She abuses her own agency, yet rails against her superiors for doing the same.

Doubt could be played as a topical play dealing with the phenomenon of child abuse in the Catholic Church, but Theatre Jezebel takes this as a tool to investigate all forms of abuse of power within the rigid status structure of the Church.