Features Editor

A powerful mystery of murder and faith will be presented by the Troy State University Department of Speech and Theater this week on the university campus.

John Pielmier’s "Agnes of God," written in 1982, enjoyed a successful run on Broadway and was later made into a movie starring Jane Fonda, Anne Bancroft and Meg Tilly.

The play will be presented on stage at the Adams Center Theater for the Performing Arts beginning at 7:30 p.m. tonight, with performances Wednesday and Friday nights, also at 7:30.

"Agnes of God," which is set in a convent, tells the story of Agnes, a young nun accused of murdering a newborn child and the court-appointed psychiatrist and mother superior who struggle over Agnes’ fate, said Adena Moree, TSU director of theater.

"This is a powerful story and I have wanted to produce the play for a long time," Moree said. "’Agnes of God’ possess the power to make us think about science, faith and the possibility of modern-day miracles. It pushes us to explore our own conceptions, values and the world around us."

The play has often been described as showing the conflict between science and religion, but Moree said she thinks it goes much deeper than that.

"The play goes deep into the mystery and possibilities of faith and our personal need for spirituality," she said.

The TSU production features a three-member cast: Sara Looney, a theater and music major from Marion, as Agnes; Amy Oakes, a theater major from Dothan, as Mother Miriam; and Amy Phillips-Redclift, a political science major from San Antonio, as Dr. Martha Livingstone.

Admission is $5 for the general public and is free to TSU students with valid identification. Tickets may be purchased through the Adams Center Box Office or at the door.