Never one to shy away from challenging and provocative works, Chicago Street Theatre starts off the New Year with the drama that was a 1994 Pulitzer Prize Nominee and the 1993 winner of the American Theatre Critics’ Best New Play Award. Keely and Du tells the compelling story of two women caught on extreme ends of the controversial issue of abortion. Performances of this acclaimed drama by Jane Martin, the author of Talking With and Vital Signs run January 18 through February 2 at the theatre located at 154 W. Chicago Street in downtown Valparaiso. The production is directed by Sherry VerWay, who, while being known for her work throughout the region, is making her directorial debut at CST.
The drama tells the story of two women- Du a right-to-life activist and Keely, a pregnant rape victim who has been abducted and confined by the organization Du is associated with. Through this extreme lens, the drama looks at the themes of social accountability, realities of procreation, the extent of individual freedom, and victim’s rights. Set in a basement where Keely is under the care of Du, the women develop a relationship that extends beyond their individual ideologies.
VerWay has wanted to direct the drama for a long time and proposed the show to Chicago Street because of the theatre’s reputation for tackling daring works like Keely and Du. The director was one of the performers in last season’s Hurlyburly, a dark comedy, that looked at the extremes of toxic masculinity in the drug fogged 80’s. “Traditionally it is during the January/February slot that CST presents works of an edgier nature,” said VerWay, ” and shows like Hurlyburly or Keely and Du seem to give audiences a chance to experience something intense performed by some of the best talent in the region.”
Susie Young Baxter, CEO, has published PanoramaNOW Magazine for 31 years. Her hobbies are Camping, Boating, Hiking, Nature, Gardening and Outdoor Activities. She is an Artist, Graphic Designer, an Avid Seamstress, Dabbles in Homemade Crafts and Landscaping. Since her Father was a Health Teacher, she also likes homeopathic Health Solutions. Since blogging started over 10 years ago, PanoramaNow has been added to Newsbreak – a national news affiliate.
