Church sex scandals not only find it hard to stay out of the newspapers but also find it hard to stay out of the theatre. The Sydney Theatre Company are currently putting on a production of prolific American playwright John Patrick Shanley’s ‘Doubt, last years’ Pulitzer Prize winner for Drama, at the Drama Theatre, the Sydney Opera House.

Shanley’s play is a confronting experience, featuring an enormous battle of wills. The storyline was easy to engage with. The protagonist, Sister Aloysius, head of a New York Catholic School, is determined to weed out the school’s priest Father Flynn. She suspects him of being a child molester. Father Flynn denies her claims and is determined to stay put.

The writing was highlighted by some lightning sharp exchanges between the characters. Here’s a few examples; Sister James: I don’t sleep so well at night anymore, to which Sister Aloysius replied: ‘Maybe we should all not sleep so well’, Father Flynn to Sister Aloysius: ‘don’t you have any compassion?’, to which Sister Aloysius replied, ‘Yes, but you’re not getting any of it’.

Julian Meyrick’s production for the Sydney Theatre Company kept the play at a high dramatic pitch, with ‘Doubt’ being played straight through for 90 minutes.

Meyrick won strong performances from his cast. Jennifer Flowers gave a focused performance as Sister Aloysius. This was a vivid portrayal of a woman who was powerful, obsessive…conservative…stern…a bit of a Harradine. There was an interesting paradox in her character; her stern-ness contrasted with a sensitive nature that sensed so much.

The choice of Christopher Gabardi to play Father Flynn was interesting casting. His wholesome, choir boy looks contrasted well with the dubious nature of his character.

Alison Bell impressed as Sister James. She portrayed her character’s journey well, from being quite naïve and anxious to being a more grounded young woman. Alison conveyed well her character’s uneasiness about having to play a part in the Sister’s plans to bring Father Flynn down.

Pamela Jikiemi impressed in her one, very intense scene, as Mrs Muller, the mother of the schoolboy who has been suspected of being molested. Sister Aloysius has called Mrs Muller to her office to discuss her concerns about her son’s well-being. Jikiemi’s portrayal is one tone, as the mother reacts in an angry, defensive manner.

Stephen Curtis’s compact set impressed. The main locale was the Sisters office which was suitably austere. There was plenty of theatrical shorthand used; a few pot plants and benches meant the church garden, Father Flynn at a large pulpit meant he was addressing his congregation.

Matt Scott’s atmospheric lighting design, with a main light filtering down from top stage left added so much to the play’s atmosphere. This was, particularly so, in the scenes with the Sisters hands centre stage, clasped in prayer. Max Lyandvert subtle music design also worked well.