WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., Feb. 26, 2020 — West Liberty University’s Hilltop Players will perform the disturbing drama “Keely and Du” as its third production this academic year.
Performances take place in Kelly Theater, located in the Hall of Fine Arts at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 26 through Saturday, Feb. 29 and at 3 p.m., Sunday, March 1.
The audience is limited to 39 seats on a special set built on the stage that creates a sense of being trapped.
Adjunct Professor of Theatre Maggie Balsey is the director of the contemporary play that concerns the topics of rape and abortion.
First performed in 1993, “Keely and Du” is a play about a woman (Keely) who is stalked and raped by her abusive ex-husband, Cole.
Pregnant now, 30-year old Keely is kidnapped while seeking an abortion and kept chained to a bed underground by the mask-wearing Du, a registered nurse and right-to-life activist who keeps Keely captive under the orders of the mysterious minister named Walter.
Keely and Du shines light on the connection these two women have, despite their completely opposing views, according to reviews at the time of the play’s opening. It also is interesting to note that the mystery playwright was never unmasked and Jane Martin is only the pen name of the author.
The main characters of Keely and Du are played by Alexis Woodard and Maura Reiff. Also in the cast are Ben Games as Walter and Derek Park as Cole. The orderly and prison guard is played by Noah Toomey.
Stage manager is Delaney Bird, assisted by MaKenna Berka. Costumes are designed by Andy Dillie and Kellsi Anderson and lighting is by Alex Franke.
Longtime faculty member Meta Lasch is the set and technical designer of the production.
Seating is limited, so please arrive early.
Tickets for all Hilltop Players productions are available through Brown Paper Tickets online and are available at the door. For more information, please email maulick@westliberty.edu.
To learn more about WLU’s Theater Department and its many opportunities for students, please click here.