KU News Release

University Theatre to stage ‘Keely and Du’ in Inge Theatre

LAWRENCE — University Theatre, part of the Department of Theatre and Film at the University of Kansas, will stage Jane Martin’s volatile drama “Keely and Du” at 7:30 p.m. April 4-6 and 9-12, and at 5 p.m. April 7 in the William Inge Memorial Theatre in Murphy Hall.

The production is directed by Katrina Bondari, Lenox, Ga., doctoral student in theatre studies. The scenic design is by Madison Spencer, Overland Park graduate student; costume and lighting designs are by Dennis Christilles, associate professor of theatre and film; sound design is by Brian Bondari, Lawrence doctoral student in music composition; and fight choreography is by Jeremy Riggs, DeSoto junior.

First performed in 1993 at the Humana Festival at the Actors Theatre of Louisville, Ky., “Keely and Du” tells the story of Keely, a young woman who, finding herself pregnant after being violently raped by her estranged husband, has sought an abortion at a local clinic. Instead, she is kidnapped by Du and Walter, two members of a radical Christian anti-abortion group called Operation Retrieval who plan to keep her locked in a basement into her final trimester and thus force her to carry her pregnancy to term.

Du and Walter go to great lengths to ensure that Keely is well cared for, that her medical and personal expenses are covered and that her child will have loving adoptive parents. They even try to convert her to their cause with pamphlets, books and relentless lectures on God’s revealed laws and her own stubborn selfishness.

Playwright Martin develops an unlikely bond between Keely and Du with a deeply felt humanity that refuses to become political. She understands the best way to shed light on this seemingly insoluble debate is not to debate it at all, and her provocative play focuses instead on how people manage to care about one another — or fail to — in spite of religious and ideological conflict.

“Whether you are pro-choice or pro-life, abortion is a hot topic in our current society,” said Bondari. “Opinions are strong, feelings mixed and people are willing to go to great lengths to see that the proper laws are in place. While ‘Keely and Du’ focuses on the abortion issue, 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.”

This production deals with adult subject matter, includes strong language and portrays graphic violence. It is not suitable for children.

Friends of the Theatre is sponsoring a “Tuesday Talkback” with the director, designers and cast immediately following the April 10 performance.

General admission tickets for “Keely and Du” are on sale in the KU ticket offices: University Theatre, 864-3982; Lied Center, 864-ARTS; and Student Union Activities box office, 864-7469, or online. Tickets are $12 for the public, $10 for students and $11 for senior citizens and KU faculty and staff. VISA and Mastercard are accepted for phone and online orders.

Members of the cast are listed below by hometown, class and major, parents’ names, high school and role.

JEWELL COUNTY
From Mankato
Jenna Bleecker, junior theatre major, daughter of John and Jeanne Bleecker, Mankato Junior and Senior High School, Du.

Reba Liggett, junior creative writing major, daughter of Michael and Phyllis Liggett, Mankato Junior and Senior High School, Prison Guard.

JOHNSON COUNTY
From Leawood
Oluwatosin Morohunfola, freshman theatre major, son of Kenny and Ajoke Morohunfola, Blue Valley High School, Walter.

LEAVENWORTH COUNTY
From Leavenworth
Garrett Kelly, freshman theatre and film major, son of Mr. and Mrs. Michael Kelly, Tonganoxie High School, Orderly.

ILLINOIS
From Downers Grove
Meg Saricks, senior theatre major, daughter of Chris and Joyce Saricks, Downers Grove South High School, Keely.

MISSOURI
From Lee’s Summit
Robert Kent Schulte, senior theatre and film major, son of Richard Schulte and Cady Pembroke, Lee’s Summit High School, Orderly.

NEBRASKA
From Lincoln
George Dungan, freshman theatre and film major, son of Doug and Sharon Fenn, Lincoln Southwest High School, Cole.

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