Jane Martin is believed to be a pseudonym for a team of writers. Others believe that the real identity is former artistic director of the Actors Theater in Louisville, Kentucky, Jon Jory. Other plays attributed to Martin are Vital Signs and Talking With. Keely And Du, the most controversial, explores the ongoing battle over the rights of a woman and the rights of the unborn. Keely, excellently interpreted by Christine Bain, has been raped by her violent, alcoholic ex-husband. She is kidnaped on her way to an abortion clinic by members of Operation Retrieval, a pro-life Christian group. They imprison her and handcuff her to a bed in an unfurnished basement room, under the watchful eye of nurse and group member Du, nicely underplayed by Sherrie Lessard.
The leader of Operation Retrieval is Preacher Walter. Michael Scahill's Walter is strong and dynamic without the use of stereotypical bible thumping. Walter is a man of conviction, with the bible as his guide. The plot progresses through a series of short scenes as the relationship between Keely and Du develops.
Keely's hate is explosive, balanced by Du's love for life - the life of the unborn. The hate/love relationship takes on added twists and turns as each learns more about the other. Walter's visits counter the women with his strident, unbending interpretation of life. His feeling are that the life of the unborn may be more sacred than the life of the mother. Walter's final hope is bringing reformed ex-husband, Cole (Robert Hugh Jenkins) to Keely, reuniting the couple. The preacher's best-laid plans run amok.
The three principals, Lessard, Bain, and Scahill are excellent. Kelso's direction is controlled, letting the playwright's words speak clearly to the audience. He did not let histrionics control. The play, at just over two hours with intermission, feels long. The director and cast were required to use every word in the script - and there are just too many words. The playwright did season the drama with well-placed doses of humor, breaking the tension. Ultimately, the production is worth seeing for performances, as well as the issues involved.
