Summoned to a convent, Dr. Martha Livingstone (Coryell Barlow), a court-appointed psychiatrist, is charged with assessing the sanity of a novice Agnes (Lucy Craig), who is accused of murdering her newborn. Mother Superior Miriam Ruth (Marcia Urban) determinedly keeps young Agnes from the doctor, further arousing Livingstone’s suspicions. Who killed the infant, and who fathered the tiny victim? Livingstone’s questions force all three women to re-examine the meaning of faith and the power of love, leading to a dramatic, compelling climax.

Directed by Becky Robinson, the play was written by Pielmeier, an Altoona native in 1979 and had a 17-month run on Broadway. Pielmeier also wrote the 1985 film adaptation which was directed by Norman Jewison and was thrice nominated for Academy Awards for best score, supporting actress Meg Tilly as Agnes and leading actress Anne Bancroft as Mother Miriam.

Things Unseen co-artistic director Matt Michrina said this selection is in keeping with the theater’s goal to support local playwrights. “So we’re very excited to be producing a play written by Altoona’s most famous playwright, John Pielmeier. John based several of the events in the play on experiences he had growing up in Altoona, so the story itself is tied to this area. It questions the nature of truth, goodness, and innocence, and provides a compelling, thought-provoking night of theater that will resonate with audiences.”

For Altoona resident Robinson, there’s an added dimension: her mother Christina Robinson was a classmate of Pielmeier’s. It’s also her first time directing. She’s been involved with Things Unseen for about eight years, most frequently as stage manager.

Mirror photo by Patrick Waksmunski / Novice Agnes (Lucy Craig) breaks down as court-appointed psychiatrist Dr. Martha Livingstone (Coryell Barlow) talks to her.

“I’ve always been fascinated that human perception is all in our heads — all the time,” she said. “I’m focusing on what it is to be human and to have faith or to not have faith and how the human condition is all in your head. Whether you have a mental illness or are mentally stable — it’s all within you.”

Given the small cast of three, Robinson said the challenge is paying attention to all the small details.

“There is no small part. You have to pay attention to what is going on all the time” he said. “There is no chorus to hide behind — there is nothing to mask it.”

Being honest and authentic would have helped avoid many of the problems the play presents so Robinson hopes audiences take away the message to “be your true authentic self. I think if some characters had been honest the circumstances of the play would not have transpired the way they do. They’re trying to pigeonhole people and that causes a lot of problems.”