Doubt | John Patrick Shanley | powerfully written

Doubt | John Patrick Shanley | Un "doubt"edly --The Best Yet

books:

Doubt

	Doubt John Patrick Shanley Theatre Communications Group, 2005 - 120 pages average customer review:based on 25 reviews view larger image
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highly recommended

powerfully written

The characters in Doubt are very realistically written and the play examines the concept of doubt in the context of the catholic church with an amazing economy of dialogue. I agree that there is not a single wasted line in this relatively short play but the slowly building intensity and confrontation will stay with you for a long time. I recently had the opportunity to see it acted on Broadway and although I had just read the play I was mesmerized by the actors interpretation of Shanley's words.
Read it and if you get the chance go see it.

Un "doubt"edly --The Best Yet

As a theatre major in graduate school (30 years ago), I find myself quite a critic of drama---probably too much so sometimes. In the past five years I have been part of the audience in theatres all over the world, English-speaking and not. Therefore it is important for me to say that this book/play is simply the best I have read in many years. Recently, I was able to see it played on Broadway and was even more ecstatic!

The key to reviewing this book hinges on understanding the layers of reveal and translation--from the printed page, to the imagination, to the visualization, to the stage itself. And--not only does the book work at the performance level, but the nuances within the written work leave it open to many reading as well as acting interpretations. I was not personally offended religiously or socially by the play, solidifying my faith in the actual written word and the spiritual language within.

The most healthy thing a person can do is "Doubt"---to question one's own beliefs and those of others. It strengthens one in the end. Sister's ability to question her own judgment in the end gives all readers the assurance that there are no pat answers in the world, and if one thinks there are--better think again! Father's unknown past leaves each reader questioning their first "certain" judgments about him, reaffirming that when you think you are SURE of another person or the precise answer, you are often rushing to judgment. Doubts are important to have; one does not have to let these doubts overrun peace of mind though.

The book demonstrates that finding answers after doubting (or not finding answers) makes one more confident in trusing the process and the humility it brings. Until you do (doubt), laugh a lot and find joy in the moment--a message also laced extravagantly throughout this solid, deeply investigative book. The best play in years!

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Stunning, brilliantly acted DOUBT

Oh but that every student or lover of the theatre could experience this magnificent production. Perhaps the best play I have seen in 55+ years of theatre-going. Riveting performances by all, especially Cherry Jones as the grim and headstrong Sister Aloysius, although her three co-stars all all more than up to meeting her challenge. A thought-provoking experience, whether you happen to be Catholic or not. The subtitling of DOUBT ("A Paraable") is most apt, as the issues of certainty, belief, instinct and assumption are all brought under the microscope. Although this play truly deserved its Tony and Pulitzer Awards, this production will never be equalled. Everything came together perfectly: actors, direction, technical design, the works. This is what great theatre is about.

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Powerful!

I don't often read plays, but on a friend's urging, I purchased this - so glad I did. It's a quick read with a powerful and riveting message.

Strongly recommend it.

reviews: 1, 2, 3, page 4, 5

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