The psychologically intense, Agnes of God, is receiving a superb production at the Westport Community Theatre. Under Director Tom Holehan’s assured guidance, the three-character play is a penetrating examination of faith, spirituality, and their intersection with science. In some sense, the production can also be viewed as a cryptic murder mystery.
The plot appears simple and straightforward – Agnes, a novice nun
has given birth in her room and possibly killed and hidden the child.
However, she has no memory of the event. Before going to trial, a
court-appointed psychologist is retained to examine the young girl, much
to the disapproval of the Mother Superior. What transpires are
multiple therapeutic sessions to possibly determine the real series of
events behind the incident. In between, Dr. Livingston and the head of
the convent butt heads until some finality comes to the proceedings.
 |
| Priscilla Squiers in Agnes of God at the Westport Community Theatre. |
Playwright John Pielmeier has crafted a show that is packed with
thoughtful arguments, moral debates, and plenty of twists. His
characters are confident in their motivations, yet still exhibit flawed
behaviors, which also humanizes them.
Priscilla Squiers imbues Dr. Martha Livingston with a convincing,
naturalistic approach to her work. She is appropriately soft-spoken,
even motherly, and direct with Agnes. However, when necessary, the
actress has no problem demonstrating combativeness with the Mother
Superior. Lucy Babbitt displays a practiced versatility as the
domineering Mother Superior. She demonstrates a roller-coaster of
emotions and attitudes in her ideological battles and philosophical
debates. The actress adeptly invokes sympathy as well as anger as the
layers of her professional and personal life are slowly, sometimes
abruptly peeled apart. Céline Montaudy’s performance as Agnes is almost
childlike. While not as nuanced as her other cast members, she
convincingly conveys a young woman who is confused and in torment.
 |
| The cast of Agnes of God at the Westport Community Theatre. |
Holehan makes good use of Al Kulcsar’s minimalist set and Jeff
Klein’s unassuming, ambient lighting design. The Director adroitly
paces the show, starting slowly and patiently building up its intensity.
Agnes of God, playing at the Westport Community Theatre through April 12. Click here for dates, times and ticket information.
