Come see the show everyone will be talking about! Described by the press as “provocative”, “compelling”, “explosive”, and “bound to stir vigorous discussion”, the theater at Allens Lane Art Center is proud to present, Keely and Du, a 1994 Pulitzer Prize Finalist, written by Jane Martin and directed by Scott R. Grumling and T. Patrick Ryan.
Keely and Du tells the story of two women caught on extreme ends of the controversial issue of abortion. Keely is a young woman who finds herself pregnant after being raped by her estranged husband. She seeks an abortion at a local clinic and is kidnapped by a pro-life organization called “Operation Retrieval”. Du, an elderly member of the organization and a former nurse, has been assigned to care for her during her pregnancy.
According to directors Grumling and Ryan, “the topic of abortion is as timely today as it was when Keely and Du was written in 1993. The importance of this issue is embedded in our communities and across the world with events such as the annual March for Life, the constitutional future of Roe vs. Wade, and the historic 2018 referendum vote in Ireland.”
Keely and Du features local Philadelphia actors Andrea Rose Cardoni, Linda Palmarozza, Breen Rourke, Ryan Henzies, Shelli Pentimall Booklerand Justin Brown.
The show will be presented at Allens Lane Art Center, 601 West Allens Lane in Philadelphia, on March 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, and 21 at 8:00 PM and matinees March 8, 15 & 22 at 2:00 PM.
Playwright Martin develops an unlikely relationship between these two strong and remarkable women with a deeply felt humanity that refuses to become political and extends far beyond their opposing ideologies. She understands the best way to illuminate this seemingly unresolvable debate is not to debate it at all and her provocative play focuses instead on putting a human face to the issue and how people manage to care about one another, or fail to, in spite of religious and ideological conflict.
The play celebrates life and the willingness of people to fight for life. Rather than taking a black and white stance on abortion the play explores the gray areas of the issue. Through this lens, the drama looks at themes of social accountability, the realities of procreation, the extent of individual freedom, forgiveness, and victim’s rights.
Tickets are available by calling (215) 248-0546 or online at www.allenslane.org. Tickets are $25; tickets reservations can be made online, by phone or purchased at the door for each performance. Students and Seniors are $20at the door for Sunday matinees only. Group rates available for groups of 10 or more $20 in advance.
Keely and Du contains mature content and adult language. Caution is advised for audience members 18 and younger.
