The Freed-Hardeman University Theatre Department will present “Doubt: A Parable” at the Black Box Theatre March 1-3 at 7 p.m. and March 3 at 2 p.m.
The play was written by John Patrick Stanley and originally premiered off-Broadway at the Manhattan Theatre Club in 2004. It is set in a New York Catholic school during the 1960’s. In it, Sister Aloysius, a conservative nun who serves as principal of the school, accuses Father Flynn of sexual misconduct against Donald Muller, a student at the school. Sister James, a timid teacher at the school, and Mrs. Muller, Donald’s mother, are forced to choose sides in the controversy.
All four characters will be played by FHU students: Lucy Lopez from Miami, Fla., will portray Sister Aloysius, Alaina Smith from Lebanon, Tenn., will be Sister James, Steven Laden from Morris Chapel, Tenn., will be Father Flynn and Cherie Anthony from Memphis, Tenn., will be Mrs. Muller.
“Doubt: A Parable” has gained fame in part due to its ambiguous ending: the audience is left uncertain of Father Flynn’s guilt or innocence. Cliff Thompson, FHU director of theatre, sees this feature as one of “Doubt’s” greatest strengths. “The best performances don’t answer all the questions. Hopefully, there will be lots of arguments in the lobby afterward,” said Thompson.
Guest director for the production is Mauricio Campos, an FHU alumnus who graduated with a BA in theatre. Campos did not anticipate returning to FHU, but is excited to give back to the program that gave him his start. “Freed-Hardeman gave me the spark to begin a career in the theatre, and I will be forever grateful for that,” said Campos.
Tickets for each of the performances can be purchased online at FHUtickets.com. For more information on Doubt: A Parable or FHU theatre, contact Cliff Thompson at 731-989-6780 or
cthompson@fhu.edu.