STUART \u2014 Since 1989, October has been designated as Domestic Violence Awareness Month.<\/p>\n
A.C.T. Studio Theatre recognizes the national campaign with a powerful drama\u00a0that tackles the difficult truth behind the hidden heartbreak one woman carried for the sake of love.<\/p>\n
\u201cGod Bless Roy Campanella\u201d explores deep themes of love, heart-wrenching burdens and hurtful memories revealed candidly during a late-night confessional video in a quiet living room.<\/p>\n
Based on real life events, this one-woman play oscillates between heartbreak and disarming humor.<\/p>\n
Protagonist Katie Morgan weaves through emotional territory spanning past romance, enduring silence and secret torment.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Campanella eventually regained partial use of his arms and hands, and later worked for the Dodgers as a scout, coach, and community representative.<\/p>\n
The monodrama\u2019s character uses Campanella\u2019s post-accident resilience as a metaphor for navigating personal heartache and finding survival.<\/p>\n
Local actress Sherri Paradis delivers a shattering exploration of survival, balanced with the tender emotions involved in laying her character\u2019s feelings bare.<\/p>\n
\u201cGod Bless Roy Campanella\u201d is written by singer-songwriter Tom Flannery.<\/p>\n
Following Sunday\u2019s matinee, representatives from the Inner Truth Project will host a talkback.<\/p>\n
The local nonprofit offers therapeutic services to survivors of sexual trauma and educates the larger community on prevention strategies and trauma.<\/p>\n