September 23, 2015 (Jackson, Miss.) - The Belhaven Theatre Department is launching the 2015-2016 season with Pulitzer Prize winning play, Doubt by John Patrick Shanley. The play will run September 30 to Oct. 3 at 7:30 p.m. in the Center for the Arts Blackbox Theatre. A matinee performance will also take place on October 3 at 2:00 p.m.
Associate Professor of Theatre Joseph Frost is directing the play. The plot focuses on Sister Aloysius, the strict principal of a Catholic elementary school who suspects Father Flynn, the parish priest, of molesting the school's only African American student. She is determined to have Father Flynn removed from the school at all costs.As investigations are made into the accusation, doubts swirl, emotions reach a fever-pitch and questions remain unanswered.
Theatre major Lydia Brandt, who plays the role of Sister James, comments on her character's journey, “She represents the majority of people who, though they have good intentions, fail to act or are easily confused. She raises the question, is it better to ignore certain harsh suspicions and believe the best in others?”
Dr. Elissa Sartwell, Belhaven Theatre Department Chair, expresses her enthusiasm for the play, “The script is simple in many ways, but packed with many ideas and questions. Its simplicity makes it accessible to audiences, but the ideas and questions raised by the story are anything but simple.”
Tickets for general admission are $10 and $5 for seniors and students. Admission is free for Belhaven faculty, staff, students and their immediate families. The doors open at 7 p.m. Email boxoffice@belhaven.edu or call 601-965-7026 to purchase your tickets today.