Helen

Helen is forty when she loses her husband, and her daughter Becca is fifteen. They are left alone, and Helen explores the threads that bind them together, how they damage each other, and how they come to each other's rescue.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 80 pages
Publication date: 18 May 2023
Publisher: Nick Hern Books

When Helen's husband passes away at the age of forty, her daughter Becca is just fifteen years old. Left alone to navigate the aftermath of their loss, the two of them find themselves at a crossroads. What do they do next?

Helen's journey is a poignant exploration of the complex bond between a mother and daughter. Through a series of snapshots, we witness the highs and lows of their relationship, from the early days of love and laughter to the challenges of adulthood.

As Helen grapples with her grief, she begins to unravel the threads that bind her to Becca. She realizes that their relationship has been both a source of strength and a source of pain, and that their choices have irreversible consequences.

At the same time, Becca is struggling to come to terms with her father's death. She feels lost and alone, and is unsure of what her future holds. Helen tries to provide her with support and guidance, but she knows that she cannot fully understand what Becca is going through.

As the play unfolds, we see Helen and Becca come to each other's rescue in their own unique ways. Helen finds solace in her memories of their relationship, while Becca finds strength in her mother's love. Together, they navigate the challenges of grief and loss, and begin to heal the wounds that have torn them apart.

Helen by Maureen Lennon is a powerful and moving play that explores the complexities of love, grief, and the resilience of the human spirit. It was shortlisted for the 2020 Theatre503 International Playwriting Award and was first produced at Theatre503, London, in 2023, in a co-production with Terrain, a company dedicated to promoting Northern artists and the stories they tell.

Weight: 97g
Dimension: 198 x 129 x 6 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781839042478