A Death in the Family

Introduction

This play was written about three years ago when I was, for the most part, and by my own standards, still a baby. I was a mere child of twenty playing with what I considered to be, and still do, emotional dynamite.

Since that time, I have rewritten the play again and again, removed an entire act, and changed the title three times.

And it still seems incomplete. So be it.

Friends and relatives, being friends and relatives, have assured me that this is indeed a fine first effort, which is excellent nourishment for a writer's ego but not necessarily an accurate reflection of the truth. Nor is it, for that matter, a very good constructive criticism. So be it.

And how do I feel? I definitely think the play has its flaws. But this time at least, I think I can safely hide behind the guise of the novice. I say this because I also believe that this isn't a bad play. And I also think, though I really didn't realize it as I was writing it, that there is an important message to be found here. Indeed, this is a story about love, even though it may not unfold as such. And I know that that is important.

Jim Farrar
April 1980

Cast of Characters

HARVEY FORD

MICHAEL FORD, Harvey's older brother

ALICE FORD, Harvey and Michael's mother

SYLVIA, Harvey's fiancee

TIME: The present

ACT ONE:
Friday Night

ACT TWO:
Scene One: Saturday afternoon
Scene Two: Later that Evening

All action takes place in the front room of the Ford's house.