In the late 1970s, Doris visits her sister Maria, who is mentally handicapped, at the psychiatric hospital where she resides. Maria may function at the level of a nine-year old, but she likes to speak her mind, and it sometimes gets her in trouble. Doris has a fit when she finds out that, a day earlier, Maria broke a tooth while being put in a straitjacket. Fifteen years later, accompanied by her daughter, Doris visits Maria’s tombstone and, while remembering Maria, she reveals surprising information. This poignant and entertaining play is an exploration of love between sisters and touches on the challenges associated with the care of mentally handicapped persons.
Keywords: drama, sisters, mentally handicapped, grief, love, family, mother-daughter, mother, daughter, 1970s
Produced by The Oakville Players, Oakville ON in 2015
Genre: Drama
Running Time: 10 minutes
Acts: 1
Suitable for students 14+
Female Cast: 4