Agnes of God at Thomaston Opera House

Mother Miriam Ruth has a special place in her heart for young nun Sister Agnes. "She's special," she mentions. "She's gifted. She's blessed." She's also been charged with the murder of her own newborn, found in a wastepaper basket with its umbilical cord knotted around its neck. And it is up to court psychologist Martha Livingstone to determine whether Sister Agnes was sane or insane at the time of the crime, in effect whether she will be sentenced to prison or a mental institution. But for every answer, a new question arises in Agnes of God, staged by the Thomaston Opera House in its Arts Center on Fridays and Saturdays, January 18-19 and January 25-26 at 8 p.m.; and Sundays, January 20 and January 27 at 2 p.m.

In this riveting drama by John Pielmeier, Dr. Martha Livingstone, a court-appointed psychiatrist, is asked to determine the sanity of a young nun accused of murdering her own baby. Miriam Ruth, the Mother Superior, seems bent on protecting Sister Agnes from the doctor, and Livingstone's suspicions are immediately aroused. In searching for solutions to various mysteries, including who killed the baby and who fathered the child, Livingstone forces all three women, herself included, to face some harsh realities in their own lives and to re-examine the meaning of faith and the commitment of love.

There are reasons why the Mother Superior is at this convent; and reasons why she wants to protect the postulant; and reasons why Dr. Livingstone is so disturbed by what she ferrets out from the subconscious of the young girl. As for Agnes, is she sane? Was she raped? Did she kill? Does she really believe that her child is the child of God? Does religion offer solace, solutions? Or does it control one's every thought and feeling? And when evil destroys one's life, will God help? You decide.

Agnes of God is an intellectually and emotionally stimulating play that leaves one moved and shaken, but with more questions than answers. The current Opera House production stars Kelly Boucher of Ellington as Dr. Martha Livingstone, Debra Johnson of Naugatuck as Mother Miriam Ruth, and Rachel Moehl of Bristol as Sister Agnes. Sharon A. Wilcox directs the production.

Tickets are $13 in advance or $15 at the door, and can be reserved by calling 860-283-6250.