“Keerah,” a new play by Chicago actor and first-time playwright Netta Walker, is currently running at Definition Theatre through June 28. The production delves into contemporary questions surrounding ownership of personal narratives in an era dominated by social media and digital storytelling.
Set in the Logan Square neighborhood of Chicago, the play follows the summer romance between Ciara, a young African American woman employed at a local restaurant and portrayed by Walker herself, and Cormac, her Irish co-worker who is in the United States on a J1 Visa, played by Beck Nolan. Their relationship, rooted in shared experiences as budding writers, provides a backdrop for broader themes such as gentrification, immigration, mental health, addiction, and grief. Notably, the play situates gentrification in both Chicago and Dublin, offering a comparative perspective that expands the usual focus on American urban neighborhoods.
Director McKenzie Chinn, who brings experience from both film and television, shapes the production with an emphasis on pacing that at times resembles a television drama. While the first act, running over two hours, has been noted for scenes that linger longer than necessary, the second act introduces a plot twist that reframes the narrative and deepens its exploration of who holds the rights to personal stories. This aspect raises questions relevant to both the fictional world of the play and real-world concerns around content creation and ethical storytelling.
The performances of Walker and Nolan have drawn praise for their onstage chemistry and authentic cultural interplay. Their characters’ mutual interest in literature introduces recurring motifs, weaving Greek mythology and classic works by authors such as James Joyce and Frederick Douglass into the dialogue. Though the play includes literary references that could challenge some audience members, it maintains accessibility through well-crafted writing.
Running over two and a half hours, “Keerah” may benefit from additional editing to streamline its opening act. Nevertheless, the production offers an engaging theater experience that resonates with current social issues, all set in the familiar surroundings of Logan Square. Tickets are available starting at $25 for the remaining performances this month.