Analysis Of Charles Busch's Play 'The Divine Sister'

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Have you ever wondered how nuns in all the classic films always seemed so righteous? How they were always portrayed as a genuine devoted follower that would live without sin. Well Charles Busch’s play The Divine Sister directed by Kate Ingram, addresses that issue, as the nuns appear more human like and riddled with concealed identities. Kate Ingram is able to emphasize these with the script, aesthetic aspects, and the cooperation of the audience. With these human emotions being portrayed, the audience can connect and understand that everyone has some sort of secret that they are burdened with, and must eventually overcome. The play takes place around a rundown monastery named St. Veronicas during the 1960’s, in a time of social turmoil. The …show more content…

“The 1960’s were a period of incredible change and upheaval. The Beatles, the JFK, RFK, MLK assassinations, the Vietnam War, hippies…” (Kate Ingram). The setting proved most beneficiary as with all the social conflicts occurring in the play it would be only fitting to put it during the most socially revolutionary time period in history. Also the fact that the play is revolved around nuns and their life allowed it to draw influence from the classics. “The play is an homage to the myriad of nun movies and plays produced thought the twentieth century including Agnes of God, Doubt, Black Narcissus, The Bells of St. Mary’s, The Singing Nun, The Song of Bernadette, and The Sound of Music” (Teresa Kilzi). This play fits with others during its timeline as it is provocative and stimulates emotions that pushes boundaries just like what was occurring in the 1960’s. For instance, the scene where Mother Superior kisses Jeremy, or Sister Walburga and her want to have a threesome with God and Sister Acacius. Those ideas would have been seen as blasphemy in any period before the …show more content…

Your ticket told you which seat you were to be seated in, and the was also a person that would direct you to the right seat. The seats were comfy, but the rows were awfully close to each other leaving little leg room. The theatre was at a perfect temperature; it wasn’t too hot or cold. The acoustics of the theatre allowed the actors’ voices to be very audible at all times of the play. Immediately when the play began with an announcement for the Pope to hopefully come and see this play, the audience started laughing. The audience was filled with other theatre students and friends of the people in the play, and also some elderly there to enjoying a comical evening. Everybody in the audience despite their differences were laughing in unison at all the hilarious scenes. I have to admit there was multiple times where I was dying of laughter. The acting in the play was superb. Honestly everyone did an excellent job. Kody Grassett’s ability to act feminine like Mother Superior was amusing and realistic. Brianna Joseph’s dancing had myself laughing hysterically. Alexandra Voelmle’s portrayal of Agnes and her ability to switch from an innocent personality to her later sinful personality was impressive. The individual performances really showcased each actor’s strong suit which kept the audience intrigued the entire time. I can relate to all the characters as each one is struggling to showcase exactly how they want to be known to the

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