BWW Previews: INNOVOCATIVE THEATRE'S KEELY & DU OPENS DIALOGUE ABOUT ABORTION at Stageworks

In today's volatile climate intent on rolling back women's rights, Innovocative Theatre's thought-provoking production of Keely & Du opening Friday, January 12 at Stageworks is perfectly timed.

"Whether states debating what consent is when it comes to rape or the challenge of Roe versus Wade, the issues of women's rights are all over the news and today Keely & Du may be even more relevant then when it was written 25 years ago," explained artistic director Staci Sabarsky.

A recent addition to the theatre landscape, Innovocative Theatre's goal is to showcase character-driven performances that stir the emotions, raise some eyebrows and cause a conversation.

Written by the pseudonymous Jane Martin, Keely & Du features an intimate cast of four - K.D. O'Hair, Dawn Truax, Ryan Bernier and Pete Clapsis.

Keely & Du tells the story of Keely, a victim of a brutal rape by an alcoholic ex-husband, and her kidnapping outside an abortion clinic. Du is a registered nurse and a member of Operation Retrieval, a radical Christian organization run by Walter. Walter is dedicated to stopping abortion by any means necessary. Du forms a bond with Keely as she has been assigned to counsel and monitor their captive for the duration of her pregnancy.

Staci explained that patrons will experience a roller-coaster of emotions - laughter and tears. Keely & Du brings to stage the controversy of abortion by showing the prolife argument at its most chilling extreme. What would be done to the woman wanting an abortion for the sake of the unborn child?

Those on either side of the nation's most bitter dispute will find it a lot harder to demonize the opposition after seeing this play. Although the topic is mature, this is a must-see play. No matter what your personal view on abortion is, the message of Keely & Du is intense, thought provoking, controversial and a conversation-starter.

Excluding opening night, after each performance the cast will have a talkback with the audience about what they just witnessed.

Keely & Du is at Stageworks, 1120 E Kennedy Blvd Unit 151, Tampa, January 12 through January 21. Performances are Friday, January 12 at 8:00 p.m., Saturday, January 13 at 3:00 p.m. + 8:00 p.m., Sunday, January 14 at 3:00 p.m., Friday, January 19 at 8:00 p.m., Saturday, January 20 at 3:00 p.m. + 8:00 p.m., Sunday, January 21 at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are $30 adults, $25 seniors, $20 students/military with ID and can be purchased at https://stageworkstheatre.secure.force.com/ticket#details_a0S1J000008ELQVUA4. Learn more at http://innovocativetheatre.org.

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