'Agnes' Tries Audience's Faith
Sunday, February 18, 2007; Page SM09
If you're looking to debate the age-old question of faith vs. science, it's tackled in the Black Box Theatre's current show, "Agnes of God." While this production, directed by Bill Graves, doesn't land every punch, it offers plenty to ponder.
Written by John Pielmeier, the three-character show appears to focus on finding out who killed a newborn and left its body in a trash can. You don't have to dig too deep to see that the story is a metaphor for the battle of spirituality against rationality.
  Constance Hamilton's psychiatrist probes the mystery surrounding Agnes (Katherine Prout, center). Sheila Draper is Mother Superior. (Courtesy Of Nobleheart Theatre Company) |
Agnes, a naive novice at the convent, is on trial for killing her baby. She can't remember giving birth and believes she was impregnated by God. She is being evaluated by Martha Livingstone, a psychiatrist who happens to be a lapsed Catholic and who will determine whether Agnes is sane. The third character is the Mother Superior, who helps the psychiatrist understand the simple yet troubled young nun while holding on to her faith.
There are pressing questions: How did Agnes get pregnant when no men were at the convent? Who is the father? The script spends time addressing those queries and the biggie: Who was the killer?
But for all the time spent on these mysteries, the crux of the show seems to be the existence of miracles and the meaning of life.
As Livingstone, Constance S. Hamilton offered a somewhat one-dimensional performance. Her body language often failed to match her character's emotional outbursts, and her delivery sometimes lacked variety. However, her reactions at the end were inspired, and she ultimately pulled out the depth called for by her character.
Katherine Prout tackled the title role. She turned in a good performance, with dramatic breakdowns that were both effective and impressive. Her weakness came in trying to convince us she was as naive as Agnes is purported to be -- Prout's eyes were far too knowing. Without that innocence, much of the basis of the play is compromised.
Sheila Draper played Mother Superior with a good mix of humility and backbone. With a wonderful wryness, she defends Agnes ferociously while baiting Livingstone at every opportunity. It was a strong performance.
Timing is important in this production, and it was a bit of a stumbling block on opening night. It was clear that some actors struggled with lines. Despite getting off to a slow start, the show picked its pace up and finished strong.
The stark set designed by Graves served its purpose beautifully. Simple candles helped create shadows that add to the drama of the lighting design, and haunting arias performed by Prout helped establish the mood.
Despite a few flaws, the production was strong overall. Don't expect to be a convert -- the script can't achieve that -- but this performance will make you reflect on the power and the fallacies of faith.
"Agnes of God" is at 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays through March 11. Tickets are $13 for general admission and $11 for groups, seniors and students. For reservations, visithttp:/
