AGNES OF GOD

Written by John Pielmeier

Directed by Jane Wilson

Starring Jasmine Ericksen, Tania Omundsen, Lily Paulsen

Te Awamutu Little Theatre, 8-19 April 2026

John Pielmeier was inspired to write Agnes of God after reading a newspaper article about a novice nun who gave birth and concealed the baby in a waste basket. The nun was found not guilty by reason of insanity. Agnes of God was first staged in 1979, then made into a movie in 1985 starring Jane Fonda. Notable actresses to take on one of the three roles include Carrie Fisher and Amanda Plummer.

Dr Martha Livingstone is the straight-talking court appointed psychiatrist tasked with assessing Agnes. In contrast, Agnes is childlike, excessively religious, and fragile. Mother Miriam Ruth is protective of Agnes and the Church. All three have secrets that become exposed as religion, science, reason, and power compete.

Jasmine Eriksen had the lion's share of dialogue as Dr Livingstone. Barely exiting the stage, she was a steady presence leading the audience through flashbacks. Eriksen moved effortlessly between her opinionated conversations with Miriam, and compassionate interactions with Agnes.  

Tania Omundsen played Mother Miriam Ruth, a stoic woman who was the first to have a major secret revealed. There are plenty of unexpected twists and turns for this role, and Omundsen gradually revealed more of the motivations of Miriam in a convincing manner.

As Agnes, Lily Paulsen captured the naivety and vulnerability of the role. Paulsen’s portrayal was unsettling but also completely enthralling. This was a casting triumph.

Lily Paulsen (Agnes) and Tania Omundsen (Mother Miriam Ruth)

The set did not indicate a specific period of time. Glenda Barclay's costumes for Livingstone allowed for the audience to determine era. The astute choices of nun’s habits were a nod to their personalities.

The theatre is fitted with a small but effective lighting rig. Ben Parkinson who was also responsible for sound had created some clever cues with that highlighted key moments. Pre-recorded tracks were at an appropriate volume, sometimes sitting under dialogue. The voice projection of the cast carried well.

Director Jane Wilson’s initial plan was to stage The 39 Steps, but unable to cast it pivoted to Agnes of God. What an inspired choice. Wilson made excellent use of the stage and paced it appropriately allowing for the characters to flourish, humour to occasionally lighten the load, and tension to build. In particular, the second of two hypnotism scenes was outstanding. 

Like the saying goes, good things come in small packages. This is true of Wilson’s production of Agnes of God, a three-character play in a tiny theatre with a petite powerhouse in the role of Agnes. There are evening performances tonight and Friday, and matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Evening performances have a 7pm start, so you won't be too late getting home if you travel from outside Te Awamutu. 

Tickets

Photos: Teva

Postscript: This heritage building opened as a school on 5 April 1880. It was relocated to its current site and became a theatre in 1974. Producers and directors, if you are considering testing the waters on a smaller audience of 36, this is the place to do it.