REP's Agnes of God: A Murder Mystery in a Convent

Agnes of God, a gripping and thought-provoking drama is back on stage, as a golden year celebration of Repertory Philippines, popularly known as REP. 

Agnes of God is written by notable playright John Pielmeier, was a long running hit on Broadway which opened in 1982, and adapted into film in 1985. The play consisted of three characters that really made an impact, three women with their own dark pasts. Their stories were brought together into the mysterious case of the young nun Agnes who is accused of conceiving and killing her own baby inside the convent. 

The play is mind-boggling as you would really think about Agnes who is young, innocent and fragile. She is not like an ordinary child as most children being exposed to the outside world. You wouldn't blink an eye as you watch the play, because every second would make you think of who is telling the truth or whose judgment is right.

Agnes of God was first staged by REP in 1983 which was played by veteran actress Pinky Amador, which made her won Best Actress in the 1983 Aliw Awards. Pinky returns in this re-staging of the critically-acclaimed production, and this time as Mother Miriam Ruth, the strong-willed Mother Superior who ferociously protects Agnes and asserts her pregnancy was an Immaculate Concepcion. Pinky Amador have always impressed me, a great actress of all time! 

I can say that Mother Miriam's character is as strong as the character of Dr. Livinstone played by theatre luminary Menchu Lauchengco-Yulo. Dr. Livingstone is the court-appointed psychiatrist who is opposing Mother Miriam Ruth's non-scientific explanation about Agnes' pregnancy. She is determined to uncover the truth behind the case and to examine the mental stability of Agnes, which unintentionally swifted getting in touch with her own past and why she distrusts the religion.

Becca Coates plays the titular role of Agnes, the sweet and innocent nun with an angelic voice and troubled childhood. Her own physical and spiritual turmoil makes her vulnerable to the overwhelming events surrounding her. She is accused of murder when the baby was found dead in a wastebasket, that Agnes seriously denied of any knowledge and memory of the night she gave birth to a child in the convent. 

This production is an emotional journey and a highly engaging drama that doesn't back down on highlighting the difference between faith and fact as well as exploring the full range of human emotions. 

What really happened that night Agnes supposedly gave birth? 

Find out in REP's Agnes of God directed by the highly-acclaimed Bart Guingona, winner of the 2003 Aliw Award for Best stage Actor and acted for most of Manila's major theatre companies. In collaboration with REP-trained and Set Design at Fordham University, New York, Joey Mendoza. The show will run from February 17 to March 12 at the OnStage Theater in Greenbelt 1, Makati City. 

For inquiries, you may call REP at 843-3570, and Ticketworld at 891-9999 or visit www.ticketworld.com.ph.

For updates and show schedules, log on to www.repertoryphilippines.ph, like and follow @repertoryphilippines on Facebook and Instagram, and follow @repphils on Twitter.