Synopsis
Leaving Home
Published by Samuel French Inc
4 Male 3 Female
The key character is the patriarchal father, Jacob, a man obsessed with making his two sons good reflections of himself. A complex man, sometimes compassionate and often contradictory. He inspires rebellion in sons. Billy and Ben
Wife Mary remains loyal to her husband but wants her sons to be free to go their own way. The crisis takes place when Billy, the younger son, is about to be married to Kathy, pregnant and of another religion
But a greater shock is in store for Jacob son Ben tells him he is leaving home and going to rent a room at the young newlywed's place. Oedipal conflicts explode that marriage eve and the family is never the same again
"The lacerating quality of inter family warfare carries both superb comedy and powerful emotional force ... an overwhelming dramatic experience" ~ Toronto Star