Dixon and Daughters

After being released from prison, Mary wants to come home and forget her past, but Briana has other ideas. A family is forced to confront their past and everything about themselves over two tumultuous days, and the truth doesn't go away even if they refuse to hear it. Dixon and Daughters is a powerful story of family and forgiveness.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 96 pages
Publication date: 20 April 2023
Publisher: Nick Hern Books

Mary has recently been released from prison, eager to return home and put the past behind her. However, Briana, her younger sister, has different plans in mind. Over the course of two intense days, the family is compelled to confront not only their past but also their deepest selves. Despite their best efforts to ignore the truth, it relentlessly pursues them, refusing to be silenced.

Deborah Bruce's play, Dixon and Daughters, is a powerful exploration of family and forgiveness. Originally performed at the National Theatre in London in April 2023, under the direction of Róisín McBrinn and in collaboration with Clean Break, the play delves into the lives of three sisters, each grappling with their own demons and struggles.

The story begins with Mary, the eldest sister, returning home after serving a prison sentence. She is determined to start fresh, leave her past behind, and rebuild her life with her family. However, Briana, her younger sister, has other ideas. She is determined to expose the truth about their family's past and the secrets that have been kept hidden for years.

As the two days unfold, the family is forced to confront not only their past but also their own identities. They are forced to reckon with the choices they have made, the sacrifices they have made, and the consequences of their actions. The truth becomes increasingly difficult to ignore, and the sisters are forced to face the reality of their family's history.

Through the characters of Mary, Briana, and their mother, Dixon, Bruce explores the themes of forgiveness, redemption, and the power of truth. The play is filled with intense emotions, powerful performances, and thought-provoking dialogue. It challenges the audience to confront their own biases and assumptions and to consider the impact of their actions on others.

Dixon and Daughters is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit and the importance of family. It reminds us that even in the face of adversity, there is always hope for forgiveness and redemption. It is a play that will leave a lasting impression on anyone who sees it, and it is a must-see for anyone who appreciates powerful storytelling and meaningful themes.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839041518