Reviewed by Allison Thomas
October 2016
Agnes of God
Barossa Players
Reviewed by Allison Thomas
Change, Cancel or postpone your plans for Sunday 16 October and go to Tanunda to see Barossa Players’ play ‘Agnes of God’ at the new Barossa Arts and Conventions Centre!
Even if you’ve read the book, or seen the movie, just go and see Paul Paulenas’ wonderful production!
The three characters, all exquisitely acted – Sandy Smith as Dr Livingstone, Siobhan Barnden as Mother Superior and Jessica Beattie as Sister Agnes – were on the stage the whole time – giving an “eye of God” aspect to the performance. All the audience was riveted, losing themselves in the twists and turns and laughing at the occasional humour of the ingenious script created by John Pielmeier.
The stark but beautiful set needed minor changes as the scenes moved between three areas. The lighting by Jo Hough and Nicholaas Voorendt was subtle and effective. Past present future all featured in this ever-expanding plot, uncovering the layers of each story, with suitable emotional outbursts beautifully acted by each actress.
The costumes were simple – reflecting three archetypes of woman – maiden mother and wise woman, and was further accentuated by the simple black, white and red colours. However each woman in the mainly female audience could identify with each actress being all three at different times.
Jessica truly has the voice of an angel when she sang and her facial and body expressions were very congruent. Siobhan’s song harmonised well and her emotional expression was superb. Sandy’s expression of the doctor’s conviction, confusion and confessions in soliloquy was excellent.
I couldn’t fault anything and thoroughly enjoyed the play. You know it’s good when the audience just sits there at the end, and discusses it.
I agree with David Underwood, who made me welcome and introduced me to the cast, it’s a strong interpretation of the play.
