The War at Home

The War at Home is a play written by James Duff (1955-). Cast 2 male 2 female, Length Full, Set Interior.

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.

The original text
The original title is Home Front, which is the title used for the Dramatists Play Service publication of the play in 1985. ISBN 978 0 8222 0528 9

Translations and adaptations
The film The War at Home (1996) based on Duff’s play Home Front was directed by Emilio Estevez.

Performance history in South Africa
Produced at the Market Theatre, 198*, starring Kate Edwards, Shelagh Holliday, Anthony Fridjhon, Jonathan Rands, Maureen Collier.

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