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Viewpoint by Meldy Wilton - Agnes of God
Agnes of God
by John Pielmeier
*Directed by Dean Chadwick and performed as a fundraiser for Theatre BC
“She is an innocent. She is a slate that has not been touched, except by God.”
I had the opportunity to see Agnes of God, written by John Pielmeier, and as has been said before, a moving psychological thriller, definitely was delivered in tight and believable performances by Lorna McLellan (as Mother Superior); Wendy Wearne (as Dr Livingstone) and Whitney Benson ( as Agnes).
Having said that, it is a script that contains content that still stands out today as having controversial subject matter and topics just as when it was originally written. Delivered correctly, the play leaves the audience enlightened, hopeful and leading to discussions about the play and content; about religion and taboos of secrecy hidden in the name of religion, as well as the effects that has on women’s lives. And...this group of women delivers it correctly. Having worked with two of the three actors in other plays, it may be difficult to separate that from what one is viewing, but not in this case. I was engrossed in the play and invited in to the characters private lives and thoughts. I completely forgot about having known any of the actors as they were transformed into the characters they were performing and took me with them.
Whitney Benson moves between the sweet innocent and radical behaviors while drawing the audience in with her charismatic performance as Agnes. While Lorna McLellan ties the three women together entwining their similarities as women and Wendy Wearne as Dr Livingstone, the narrator but much more, seems to talk to each audience member personally as she sorts her thoughts, beliefs, breaking down her own reactions and life affecting experiences.
This strong performance is delivered by three women that have performed in a variety of venues, such as Ladysmith’s Little Theatre; The Western Edge Theatre Group and Yellowpoint Drama Group along with many others, between them, have received best actor awards and best supporting actor awards for a variety of performances.
Originally the three actors were chosen to perform at a Theatre BC workshop as an example of how to work a play. From this workshop the three have performed several times including at the South Island Zone Festival, once again having awed and impressed the audience with their stunning performances.
If you have not yet seen this trio perform together you will not be disappointed by their performance in "Agnes of God". They have two performances left at 25 Victoria Road in Nanaimo, Nanaimo Centre Stage, June 27, 2009 @ 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm. All proceeds will go to Theatre BC to help with the ongoing improvements to Nanaimo Centre Stage. This is a performance and presentation of "Agnes of God" that is the buzz theatre is talking about - professionally delivered performances that will be remembered for a long time.
by John Pielmeier
*Directed by Dean Chadwick and performed as a fundraiser for Theatre BC
“She is an innocent. She is a slate that has not been touched, except by God.”
I had the opportunity to see Agnes of God, written by John Pielmeier, and as has been said before, a moving psychological thriller, definitely was delivered in tight and believable performances by Lorna McLellan (as Mother Superior); Wendy Wearne (as Dr Livingstone) and Whitney Benson ( as Agnes).
Having said that, it is a script that contains content that still stands out today as having controversial subject matter and topics just as when it was originally written. Delivered correctly, the play leaves the audience enlightened, hopeful and leading to discussions about the play and content; about religion and taboos of secrecy hidden in the name of religion, as well as the effects that has on women’s lives. And...this group of women delivers it correctly. Having worked with two of the three actors in other plays, it may be difficult to separate that from what one is viewing, but not in this case. I was engrossed in the play and invited in to the characters private lives and thoughts. I completely forgot about having known any of the actors as they were transformed into the characters they were performing and took me with them.
Whitney Benson moves between the sweet innocent and radical behaviors while drawing the audience in with her charismatic performance as Agnes. While Lorna McLellan ties the three women together entwining their similarities as women and Wendy Wearne as Dr Livingstone, the narrator but much more, seems to talk to each audience member personally as she sorts her thoughts, beliefs, breaking down her own reactions and life affecting experiences.
This strong performance is delivered by three women that have performed in a variety of venues, such as Ladysmith’s Little Theatre; The Western Edge Theatre Group and Yellowpoint Drama Group along with many others, between them, have received best actor awards and best supporting actor awards for a variety of performances.
Originally the three actors were chosen to perform at a Theatre BC workshop as an example of how to work a play. From this workshop the three have performed several times including at the South Island Zone Festival, once again having awed and impressed the audience with their stunning performances.
If you have not yet seen this trio perform together you will not be disappointed by their performance in "Agnes of God". They have two performances left at 25 Victoria Road in Nanaimo, Nanaimo Centre Stage, June 27, 2009 @ 2:00 pm and 7:30 pm. All proceeds will go to Theatre BC to help with the ongoing improvements to Nanaimo Centre Stage. This is a performance and presentation of "Agnes of God" that is the buzz theatre is talking about - professionally delivered performances that will be remembered for a long time.
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