We all go into pieces of theatre for different reasons expecting different results. Sometimes it is to be entertained. Other times it is to be informed but sometimes it’s a chance to see our own life experience parroted back to us in the form of fictional characters. Such was my reaction to the new play, The Big Quiet, which premiered at the Rose Wagner Theatre Black Box this week. It was especially poignant because March marks the 20 year anniversary of my return from my mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and those challenging (and rewarding) experiences have been fresh on my mind. It’s hard to know what someone with no experience in the faith would think but if anyone does see it I’d love to hear what you think.

The Big Quiet is written by Morag Shepherd and is based on her own missionary experience set right around the same time I was on my mission. This setting is a smart choice because the missionaries were more isolated at that time not having access to cell phones or the ability to even call their loved ones more than twice a year. It is also smart of Shepherd to go with sister missionaries over elders because the companionship experience is more intense for sisters as is the isolation simply because there are less sisters than elders.

The two missionaries in question are Sister Garcia and Sister Roberts played by Juls Marino and Lily Hilden respectively. They are both excellent in their roles and deliver Shepherd’s biting dialogue in authentic way feeling completely believable even in the more bombastic moments. I also appreciated the attention to detail in the apartment by set designer Allen Smith. Everything from the books, to the pictures of Jesus felt right out of one of my missionary apartments.

The most effective aspect of the play is Shepherd’s writing for the strict sister Sister Roberts. Repeatedly she says “you’re not supposed to____” or “that’s against the rules.” Some might find a young person like Roberts to be hard to believe but she is light compared to what I was like on my mission. I remember agonizing over whether my Christmas phone call to my parents was going to be too long. In fact, my companion wrote her parents telling her she didn’t want to do the call because she was so worried she would go over time. Is that insane? Yes it is but it’s true. I would have literally had a nervous breakdown if I had a companion do any of the things Sister Garcia does.

That does bring me to a weakness of The Big Quiet. While I’m fine with Sister Garcia being a sceptic and facing a faith crisis, I could have used some emotion from her character- especially with the big reveal at the end. Her entire life is changing including losing something she at least at one time believed enough to serve a mission. I think it could have actually been more interesting if Sister Garcia had ended up pushing forward with a mixed testimony and teaching Sister Roberts that faith is complex and nuanced. However, I am also sure that is me bringing my own faith journey into the story. I just think more emotion from Sister Garcia either way would have been good. It would have been nice as well for Sister Roberts to have a couple introspective moments away from Sister Garcia (part of the struggle of a mission is you don’t get any moments away from your companion but still) So little of her obedience feels consensual. She never says “I chose to follow this rule.” It’s always the rule exists therefore we have to follow it.

Nevertheless, Shepherd’s work here is excellent and definitely worthy of your time. The show is directed by Tamera Howell and is playing through March 8th. Tickets can be purchased here.

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