Mary has just been released from prison. She wants to come home and forget all about it - but Briana has other ideas.

Over two tumultuous days, a family is forced to confront not only their past, but everything about themselves. Because the truth doesn't go away, even if you refuse to hear it.

A powerful story of family and forgiveness, Deborah Bruce's play Dixon and Daughters was first performed at the National Theatre, London, in April 2023, directed by Roisin McBrinn and co-produced with Clean Break.

About the Author

Deborah Bruce's other plays include Raya, The House They Grew Up In, Godchild and The Distance, which was a finalist for the Susan Smith Blackburn Prize

Reviews

'A powerful piece of drama that has us leaning forward eagerly in our seats. Bruce creates a beguiling quality of understated intrigue... poised and compelling'

* iNews *

'A challenging and insightful piece exploring the connection between domestic abuse and the criminalisation of women... Bruce's keenly observed dialogue is vivid and raw, lifted by moments of grim humour'

* The Stage *

'Potent... a different kind of haunted house drama, one that builds from slow beginnings to something disturbing and memorable... Bruce's writing deftly scratches out the outlines of these abrasive, damaged, strange women... Each one has a real arc and journey... impressive and powerful'

* Time Out *

'Fiery and intriguing... Bruce has a great ear for dialogue... [the characters] all get great, laugh-out-loud lines and grandstanding emotional moments... lots to admire and enjoy'

* Evening Standard *

'Powerful... Bruce's script is frank, funny, and sad'

* Broadway World *

'An involving examination of exactly why women continue to suffer in silence, in homes where they should feel safe... an authenticity that cannot be questioned... it has the tang of truth as well as the tension of drama'

* WhatsOnStage *

'A comic domestic noir with both humour and horror... beneath its apparent simplicity runs a complex dynamic between family members and cyclically repeated abuse or trauma that feels as genuine as it is tragic'

* Guardian *

'A compelling jet-black comedy with a central figure who's at once perturbing and interestingly flawed, loaded with contradiction'

* Telegraph *

'Raises important issues about family life... extremely moving... gradually creates a sense of compassionate engagement with the victims of harassment and abuse... truthful and authentic'

* Arts Desk *

'Powerful... an important and timely play. Harrowing, but full of love as much as it is full of fear, a rousing study in female resilience'

* West End Best Friend *



Book Information
ISBN 9781839041518
Author Deborah Bruce
Format Paperback
Page Count 104
Imprint Nick Hern Books
Publisher Nick Hern Books
Weight(grams) 128g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 129mm * 8mm