Agnes of God

Agnes of God is a 1979 play by American playwright John Pielmeier which tells the story of a novice nun who gives birth but doesn't even believe she has given birth. The Child is found dead and a psychiatrist and the mother superior of the convent clash during the resulting investigation. The title is a pun on the Latin phrase Agnus Dei (Lamb of God). Synopsis The stage play concerns three main characters: Martha, the psychiatrist; the Mother Superior; and Agnes, the novice. There are no other characters on stage. All three roles are considered demanding for the actors playing them. Martha covers the full gamut of emotion during the play, from nurturer to antagonist, from hard nosed court psychiatrist and atheist to faith-searching healer. She is always on stage and has only three small respites from monologues or dialogue while Agnes and the Mother Superior enact flashbacks to events at the convent. The Mother Superior must expound the possibilities of miracles while recognizing the realities of today's world. Agnes is a beautiful but tormented soul whose abusive upbringing has affected her ability to think rationally. Historical casting Production history The play first was staged at the Eugene O'Neill Theater Center in Waterford, Connecticut in 1979. In 1980, it was further developed at the Actors Theatre of Louisville. Pielmeier had been an actor at both of these venues and had turned to playwriting; he began writing Agnes of God in the summer of 1978.