HOME FRONT (THE WAR AT HOME)

by Duff, James

First presented in London under the title The War at Home and then produced on Broadway, this play blends comedy and tragedy as it examines the dilemma of a middle-class Texan family unable to comprehend or cope with the deep-seated disaffection of their Vietnam veteran son. The scene is set on Thanksgiving Day, 1973, and the mood is one of excited preparation and warm-hearted humour. But Jeremy, who has only recently returned from service in Vietnam, incites a series of violent confrontations borne of his sarcastic and deeply bitter exchanges with his family. The mood quickly changes to one of rage and hurt, building to an explosive climax. “A stunning first play .... it is written in blood, sweat and tears.” [John Peter, Sunday Times]