Keerah

Definition Theatre's world premiere of "Keerah" is a captivating showcase that highlights the incredible artistic talent thriving in the Chicagoland area. Written by Netta Walker, this powerful production serves as a reminder of the rich cultural offerings available locally and of how Chicago is second to none in great talent. Definition Theatre has emerged as a dynamic and influential presence in the arts, showcasing diverse narratives while bringing to life stories motivated by and designed for individuals and communities of color. Keerah is a modern-day Orpheus-and-Eurydice tragic love story that explores the depths of grief, the power of transcendent love, literature, and the agony of doubt. Walker includes within the play a powerful subplot discussing the individual issues with addiction, codependency, and the negative effects of others attempting to rescue a loved one from their personal demons.

The play centers around Ciara, a Black American poet, and Cormac, an Irish writer visiting on a visa. While working at a bar in a rapidly gentrifying Chicago neighborhood, the two began a flirtatious relationship built on a shared passion for literature, language, and what the script calls "the art of cruelty," in which they push one another to face their uncomfortable truths. Lucy, whom Cormac playfully calls Lucifer, is Ciara and Cormac's boss. She has become romantically involved with Finn, unaware that he shares an apartment with Cormac. As their relationship deepens, Lucy worries that her involvement with Finn may jeopardize her job, fearing the company might view her dating an employee's friend negatively. Ciara, a guarded soul who has recently disengaged from a traumatic relationship, eventually opens up to Cormac, and the two begin an intense romance that spirals out of control when Cormac disappears without telling Ciara where he has gone or why.

The play starts with a projection showing the actors and the play's title; however, an underlying message is conveyed through the flock of blackbirds. The text explores the connection between Black American and Irish folklore, with a particular focus on the symbolism of blackbirds. These birds symbolize omens of doom, future grief, life and death, and the emotional aftermath of loss. They also evoke the fear of reflecting on the past. Additionally, Keerah addresses supernatural beliefs in banshees and fairies, highlighting how the appearance of a blackbird foreshadows the impending breakdown of Ciara and Cormac's intense romance.

The second part of the production shifts seven years into the future, featuring Ciara, who is now a successful television writer, and a surprised journalist named Dedalus, who arrives to interview her about her hit TV series—a show she created entirely based on her past relationship with Cormac. Fuming with anger at Ciara sharing details of their lives, including personal secrets that he had confided in her, Cormac confronts her. His frustration is evident as he presses her with pointed questions to uncover her motives. As the conversation reaches a boiling point, her assistant intervenes, halting the recorded interview, concerned that it could end up in Variety magazine and expose Ciara. In the end, the two seek reconciliation, but a lot has changed between them, so I'll leave the climactic ending to your decision to purchase a ticket.

Running around two hours, the cast features playwright and actor Netta Walker (Ciara), Cat Christmas (Lucy), Beck Nolan (Cormac), and Jacob Coggshall as Finn/Rhys. Walker, best known for her role as Keisha McCalla in All American: Homecoming or for her feminist dystopian series House of Dixie, delivers a stunning performance as Ciara, which isn't unexpected, as it aligns with the script, which is heavily inspired by her own artistic experiences. This is my first encounter with Beck Nolan's remarkable talent, and I was truly impressed by his portrayal of Cormac, who perfectly captures the Irish character's charm and vulnerability. Christmas and Coggshall chemistry on stage was enjoyable and provided a favorable narrative.

In "Walker's Keerah: A Chicago (Love) Story," there are moments when the narrative appears to decelerate, particularly in the initial setup scenes, with a few conversations failing to engage fully, contributing to pacing that can drag at times. However, despite these hiccups, the writing itself is impressively crafted, showcasing a genuine depth and artistry that shines through the story. She does an excellent job, blending her lived experiences with the grand, dramatic framework of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth.

​At its core, the play explores the emotional collateral of real-life trauma and loss, and the ever-present issue in our society today of the heartbreak of loving someone across strict international borders and immigration laws. In Definition's write-up, the question was asked, "Can you rewrite the past, and should you?" Walker's production of Keerah lends credence to the idea that maybe you can. Walker's next play, "Hayward," arrives in Chicago this fall. She is an amazing actor and, based on her production of Kerrah, an exceptionally talented playwright as well.

⭐⭐⭐1/2

Definition Theatre

KEERAH: A Chicago (Love) Story

By Netta Walker

Directed by McKenzie Chinn

May 29 to June 28, 2026​

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