Despina Bebedeli returns to Rialto to perform in Doubt

John Patrick Shanley’s renowned play Doubt, written in 2004, won both a Pulitzer Prize and a Tony Award, and became widely known through its film adaptation in 2008. Starring Meryl Streep as Sister Aloysius and Philip Seymour Hoffman as Father Flynn, the film was nominated for several Academy Awards.

As the title suggests, it illuminates the way the human mind struggles with its certainties. The Cyprus Theatre Organisation’s Central Stage is bringing an adaptation of the play to Rialto Theatre this December, translated into Greek by Konstantinos Kritsis.

The play is a parable about the multifaceted nature of truth, the grey areas between intentions and actions, and between good and evil, where doubt resides. Assisted by an outstanding cast and creative team, including acclaimed Greek actress Despina Bebedeli, director Andreas Araouzos skillfully explores the issues raised by the play and shows how they continue to resonate. Wednesday’s performance will take place at 8.30pm in Greek with subtitles in Greek and Turkish.

Doubt is set in the fictional St. Nicholas Church School in the 1960s. Within this Catholic school in the Bronx, strict principal Sister Aloysius suspects that Father Flynn, a young progressive priest is behaving inappropriately with one of the students. Her suspicions rapidly escalate until she is certain of his guilt. Unable to imagine that she might be mistaken, she does everything in her power to have Father Flynn removed from the school.

Doubt

Play adaptation, originally written by John Patrick Shanley. Presented by the Cyprus Theatre Organisation’s Central Stage. December 21. Rialto Theatre, Limassol. 8.30pm. In Greek, with subtitles in Greek and Turkish. €12. www.rialto.com.cy