DOUBT: Meet Carla Gyemi (Sister James)

Carla Gyemi as Sister James in John Patrick Shanley's DOUBT.

February 2, 3, 8, 9, 10, 15, 16, 17 2018 @ 8:00 PM.
Doors open 7:30.
The Shadowbox Theatre (103B-1501 Howard Ave, corner of Howard and Shepard).
Tickets $20 at postproductionswindsor.ca or at the door.

PHOTO BY THE HEADSHOT COMPANY

Who are you, how did you get into theatre, and where might audiences have seen you before?
 I got involved in theatre after seeing a local production of Annie many moons ago and saying to my parents "I want to do that!"  Since then,I have had the privilege of performing in Windsor for many years now.  Recent roles include Roz in 9 to 5: The Musical, The Baker's Wife in Into the Woods, Demeter in Cats, Tiger Lily in Peter Pan(to), and Agnes (a nun in-training!) in The Divine Sister. 
 
What can you tell us about Sister James?
I am playing Sister James in Doubt: a younger nun who recently started teaching at St. Nicholas School. Those who know the play and character have heard Sister James called 'innocent,'and perhaps 'sweet' or 'enthusiastic,' but in this production I have enjoyed exploring Sister James' analytical and thoughtful side, which she utilizes greatly throughout the major conflict in the play.
 
Why did you want to play Sister James?
I knew this character would be a challenge for me. I have not played a role quite like this and knew it would be a chance for me to grow and stretch my acting chops.  Finding my interpretation of the character would take some exploration on my part and guidance from the director -- and I truly welcomed the opportunity. I also knew I would learn a lot from the other actors in the cast, as all the characters in this play have so much depth and layers to them.  I was excited about that opportunity as well -- to also observe the rest of the cast coming into their characters and seeing their method and choices.
 
How is Sister James important to the plot and theme of DOUBT?
Sister James is the one who comes to Sister Aloysius with information on Father Flynn that -- to Sister Aloysius -- confirms her suspicions about him and sets a chain of events that fuel the remainder of the play. Sister Aloysius then has Sister James stay involved as a witness as she confronts Father Flynn.  You certainly see Sister James experience doubt herself in many moments during the play, as she tries to sort out this situation she finds herself roped into -- a situation she does not desire to be in, nor has experienced before.
 
What do you hope audiences get from seeing DOUBT -- both at The Shadowbox while they're watching, and when they think about it afterwards?
 Like any production of Doubt, my hope is that we have done our job of not swaying audiences too far in favor of one outcome over the other...and that during the show they experience doubt themselves on which character to believe, and leave the theatre talking about their experience and 'evidence' they observed to confirm or deny certain theories.  Essentially...I hope we leave them in doubt!