THE FIRST ever dramatisation of a novel written by an American author based on her own experiences of having an abortion is having its world premiere in Worcester.

The Atonement Child was first written as a novel by million-selling author and devout Christian, Francine Rivers, in 1997 and is her most personal book.

"Thirty years ago she had an abortion and said she had to live with the shame and anguish of that decision," said Timothy Crow, who has now adapted it for the stage.

"My wife read the book and said to me that it would make a great play," said Mr Crow, the founding headmaster of the River School, Worcester's independent Christian School.

"We went on holiday and instead of sitting on the beach, I wrote the lion's share in two weeks.

"The church in general has been relatively quite on this issue and I believe it's time a Christian voice should be heard," said Mr Crow.

The story follows Dynah Carey, a student with strong Christian beliefs. The play opens as she is walking home from work when she is attacked and raped.

She discovers she is pregnant and is forced to question her beliefs in the sanctity of life.

"We see her on the way home on a darkened stage and the assailant confronts her," said Mr Crow.

"He fights her off the stage. There are sound effects such as screaming.

"It is more the subject matter that makes this play more for adult audiences."

The Atonement Child is being performed by the Damascus Players, a group of 20 amateur Christian actors including Mr Crow's daughter Lizzie as Dynah, Catherine Worton and Peter Read as her parents, and Mary Jenks as her grandmother.

Despite the strong Christian influence on all the aspects of the production, Mr Crow says the play is neither didactic, nor preachy.

"The Christian characters debate the issue particularly, considering the circumstances of the pregnancy," Mr Crow said.

"A lot of the set is monochrome because the topic is not just black and white but it has grey areas.

"If the writing is militant then it compromises the artistic side.

"Francine Rivers is passionate about the fact that abortion clinics do not give all the facts to their clients but also that, through the cross, there is a full and sufficient healing for those who have been left scarred through the experience of abortion.

"There are many who are suffering in silence as a consequence of abortions and who need the opportunity to find healing," said Mr Crow.

"It is a very positive play. It could upset some militant

pro-abortionists.

"We don't want to outrage people but we hopefully provoke as well as encourage conversation in a way."

The Atonement Child runs at the Swan Theatre, Worcester, from Tuesday, June 25, to Saturday, June 29, at 7.30pm with a 2.30pm matinee. Tickets are available from the box office on 01905 27322.