Gadfly Theatre Productions' VILE AFFECTIONS Begins Today

Local theatre company Gadfly Theatre Productions to showcase Vanda's Vile Affections. Director Cassandra Snow aims to bring a gothic thriller feel to the story surrounding Mother Benedetta Carlini (Amanda Kay Thomm) and her astonishing spiritual gifts. Set in Post Renaissance Italy, the play unearths the first recorded lesbian affair and the intense inquisition of all parties involved. The piece aims to juxtapose Christianity and mysticism and look at sexuality through the lens of the Catholic church.

In a time period when people are newly confronted with Galileo's ideas of a sun-centered universe, a nun reveals herself to have visions of God. The Sisters of her convent, including innocent Bartolomea (Emily Weiss,) express a curious allegiance to her. In fear of her growing power, the church sends the Provost Stefano Checci (Robb Krueger) to find the truth. What he ultimately finds challenges his understanding of the world to his very core.

The show presents a commentary on how the Catholic church has treated women throughout history and how powerful women are dealt with when they hold too much. Gadfly Theatre Productions has been waiting for the right time to debut this play, and with the recent and progressive changes in the Church, a perfect opportunity has presented itself. Vile Affections will run from today, March 20th - 29th at People's Center Theater on the West Bank. Tickets are available on a sliding scale price structure, and Gadfly also offers Pay What You Can shows on select dates.