Event

"Blood Relations" a play by Sharon Pollock

This psychological murder mystery is based on historical fact and speculation surrounding the life of Lizzie Borden and the murders of her father and stepmother. The murders took place on August 4, 1892 in the city of Fall Rivers, Massachusetts. Although acquitted of the crimes in 1893, many believe to this day (118 years later) that Lizzie got away with murder.

This play within a play takes place ten years after the murders. The show starts with Lizzie conversing with her "actress" friend who is trying to portray Lizzie in a play. Instead of directly answering the actresses questions on what happened, Lizzie creates a game where the actress experiences Lizzie's past memories, imagination or self-justification. Which is it?

Lizzie Borden took an axe, gave her mother forty whacks. When she found what she had done, she gave her father forty-one. Did she? Did she do it?