The Runner Stumbles

Walter Niejadlik directs The Runner Stumbles, by Milan Stitt, directed by Walter Niejadlik.

A young nun has died under mysterious circumstances in a remote parish in northern Michigan, and her superior, Father Rivard, has been charged with her murder. Testimony and scenes from the past reveal that Father Rivard, who had been banished to the small, up-country parish, fell in love with Sister Rita; and when circumstances forced her to move into the rectory with him, his anguish became unbearable. Their relationship, inevitably, spelt tragedy, but not until the explosive and surprising climax of the play is the full extent of their sacrifice made clear and the identity of the murderer revealed.

“…a serious, well-made, and continuously interesting American play…” – The New Yorker

“…an absolutely fascinating play…” – NY Times