The Trafford Performing Arts Center tackles uncertainty, abuse of power, and the fight for justice in The Theatre Factory’s latest production of Doubt: A Parable.

By Jade Goodes

(Note: This Theatre Factory production was originally scheduled for April of 2020, but it was pushed back to this year due to the pandemic.)

I found this production to be beautifully moving and was blown away by the outstanding cast, who bring deep meaning and heart to the text. The show raises important questions, but most poignantly, it asks: in a corrupt and unfair world, what role do you play in it?

Doubt: A Parable was originally performed on Broadway from March of 2005 to July of 2006. If audiences are not familiar with the play itself, they may be familiar with the 2008 film of the same name, starring Meryl Streep and the late Phillip Seymour Hoffman. The story centers around two nuns who suspect one of the priests in their school of molesting one of their students. Sister Aloysius is convinced of Father Flynn’s misconduct and will stop at nothing to expose him. Sister James isn’t as convinced and battles with her uncertainty as she works with Sister Aloysius to find the truth.

Doubt: A Parable is performed at The Trafford Performing Arts Center, which I’ve had the pleasure of visiting in the past. The production is simplistic in its sets, costumes, and props, which is well-suited as it is primarily dialogue-driven. I thought the space was used perfectly and enjoyed the close-up nature of the production.

The cast of Doubt: A Parable is genuinely one of the most impressive casts I have seen in years. They deliver breathtaking performances and manage to bring a subtle nuance to their characters that exposes the dichotomy in people. Christy Rodibaugh is stellar as the unrelenting Sister Aloysius. Despite her harshness, you cannot help but root for this woman who is determined to protect her students. Eric Leslie expertly juggles the charming and warm nature of Father Flynn along with his cold and sinister undertones. As an audience member, I simultaneously loved and despised Father Flynn and constantly questioned his motives. Elizabeth Glyptis brings a genuine innocence and naivety to Sister James that is both sweet and frustrating. I admired Sister James for her good nature but was baffled and annoyed at her misgivings and blind spots. Randi Walker delivers an emotionally driven monologue that was beautifully and heartbreakingly performed. I could feel the audience’s sympathy for this mother as she was struggling with the weight of her situation. The cast goes above and beyond in their performances by making these characters feel like real fleshed-out individuals by exposing the morally gray area where all people reside.

This show deals with difficult subject matter, but I feel the cast and crew handled it with grace. Director Jeff Johnston manages to deliver a show that carries weight and impact. Everyone involved radiates passion for this production and their role in telling this story. It’s one of the few shows I have seen in recent years that has had an impact on me. This production made me rethink my role in the world and how all my actions (well-meaning or otherwise) have consequences. The show shines a light on themes and topics we typically shy away from, and while they may be uncomfortable to discuss, it is essential they are addressed.

In the show, Father Flynn mentions why he uses parables in his sermons rather than real-world examples. He says it’s because real life often leaves you with no definitive resolution, and you don’t know how to feel or what lesson you should take away from it. Unfortunately, this show will leave you with no definite answer. Instead, it will leave you with infinite questions. It’s not a show with a happy ending, but one with a powerful message that will stick with you long after you leave the theater.

Doubt: A Parable runs at The Trafford Performing Arts Center through Feb 5. Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/the-theatre-factory1/doubta-parable-83350/tickets?fbclid=IwAR2Omekyg_i1gdc44TAjly97k-_bQ8QTvepaMlKn9-vtIqow71JefWcwSpg

TW: This play contains themes of abuse and is not suitable for young audiences.

Categories: Arts and Ideas, Reviews

Tags: Christy Rodibaugh, Doubt: A Parable, Elizabeth Glyphs, Eroc Leslie, Jeff Johnston, Randi Walker, Theatre Factory, Traffgord Performing Arts Center