Arcola Theatre presents

The Book Of Grace

by Suzan-Lori Parks

Directed by Femi Elufowoju jr

Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Suzan-Lori Parks’ visceral family portrait reveals a divided nation. 

“Sometimes the alien is right in your own home. Sometimes right in your own blood. And you’ve got to build a wall around it.”

Grace lives with her husband Vet, a patrol officer on the Texas-Mexico border. When Vet is awarded a medal for his service, Grace invites his estranged son Buddy to join them at the ceremony. But Buddy arrives armed with resentment, an agenda and (several) hand grenades. Can Grace heal the rift, and contain the threat?

Suzan-Lori Parks’ (Topdog/Underdog; Father Comes Home From The Wars, Parts 1, 2 & 3) explosive 2010 play gains timely new resonance as the world watches its own borders. Award-winning director Femi Elufowoju jr directs the UK premiere.

Content Warnings: displays of violence, domestic abuse, racism, terrorism and pornography.

 


Praise for The Book of Grace

★★★★★ “The seething tensions are palpable, the performances breath-taking, and the lighting and set design truly remarkable.”A Young(ish) Perspective

★★★★★ “This is an incredibly accomplished piece of theatre”The Spy in the Stalls

★★★★★ “I cannot recommend it highly enough”North West End

★★★★ “Superbly played state of the nation play...a thrilling theatrical experience”Reviews Gate

★★★★ “An incredibly gripping and crucial piece of theatre”Broadway World

★★★★ – Morning Star