STUART — Since 1989, October has been designated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.
A.C.T. Studio Theatre recognizes the national campaign with a powerful drama that tackles the difficult truth behind the hidden heartbreak one woman carried for the sake of love.
“God Bless Roy Campanella” explores deep themes of love, heart-wrenching burdens and hurtful memories revealed candidly during a late-night confessional video in a quiet living room.
Based on real life events, this one-woman play oscillates between heartbreak and disarming humor.
Protagonist Katie Morgan weaves through emotional territory spanning past romance, enduring silence and secret torment.
The title comes from the poignant parallel Morgan draws from Hall of Fame catcher Roy Campanella, who became quadriplegic after a car accident, forcing an early retirement from baseball.
Campanella eventually regained partial use of his arms and hands, and later worked for the Dodgers as a scout, coach, and community representative.
The monodrama’s character uses Campanella’s post-accident resilience as a metaphor for navigating personal heartache and finding survival.
Local actress Sherri Paradis delivers a shattering exploration of survival, balanced with the tender emotions involved in laying her character’s feelings bare.
“God Bless Roy Campanella” is written by singer-songwriter Tom Flannery.
Following Sunday’s matinee, representatives from the Inner Truth Project will host a talkback.
The local nonprofit offers therapeutic services to survivors of sexual trauma and educates the larger community on prevention strategies and trauma.
There are three performances Oct. 23 – 25. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 3 p.m. on Sunday. Tickets are $28 and may be purchased online at actstudiotheatre.com or by phone at (772) 932-8880.
The A.C.T. Studio Theatre is located in the Cedar Pointe Plaza, at 2399 SE Ocean Blvd., Stuart.