By Shirley Lorraine –
The Ojai Art Center Theater opened its 2025 season with a thought-provoking and conversation-starting drama, Agnes of God, by John Pielmeier, directed by Brian Robert Harris.
Based on a true occurrence in the 1970’s, the story concerns a young, extremely naive postulant who becomes pregnant while living in a convent. She is visited by a court-appointed psychiatrist and watched over protectively by the Reverend Mother.
The stage is stark, minimally appointed and bathed in darkness. A faint projection of stained glass illuminates the altar at which the young nun, Sister Agnes, kneels. The psychiatrist takes center stage while the Reverend Mother is given only a chair to complete the triangle. The mood throughout is dark and initially subdued while the plot is laid out.
Both the psychiatrist, Dr. Martha Livingstone, and the Reverend Mother wish mightily to control the situation. They butt heads as to questioning, motive, religion, approach and treatment. The dialogue moves the power between the two women like a finely tuned tennis match.
Sister Agnes presents with complete denial and apparent amnesia of the beatific kind – attributing everything that has occurred to be of divine design.
The question becomes, is she truly experiencing a “miracle,” or is she hiding facts to escape taking responsibility? She has experienced childhood trauma that plays a role in this story, but does that explain her current mental state?
Sindy McKay plays the Revered Mother with assuredness. She is suitably calm, reserved and yet confidently commanding in her role.
She is well matched by Sophia Liliana as Sister Agnes. Liliana gives a marvelous performance of bewilderment, fright, hysteria, and ultimate reckoning. Emily Schurmer is given credit for providing angelic vocals underscoring some of Sister Agnes’ scenes.
The pivotal role of the curious psychiatrist is played by Amber Bower. All three roles are heavy ones, each laden with long monologues. Bowers has room to grow comfortable with her role, pacing and blocking now that opening weekend is over.
This production does not employ microphones, so at times of quieter dialogue it can be a challenge to capture all the lines.
Be aware that this production employs the use of herbal cigarettes, particularly through the first act. If you are easily affected, ask for a seat towards the back of the theater. Bring a cough drop just in case.
Agnes of God is not a light-weight production. The content is deep and can be uncomfortable. It does, however, cause one to think, reflect on one’s beliefs and how our upbringing can shape who we are. It gives three actors a sterling opportunity to hone their acting skills and the audience an opportunity to stretch their minds.
Agnes of God continues performances Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2 pm through February 16 at the Ojai Art Center Theater, 113 S. Montgomery Street, Ojai. 805-604-8797, www.ojaiact.org. Not suitable for children due to content.
