Blood Relations

by Sharon Pollock

Genres: Plays

72 pages, Unknown Binding

Reviews

[Arhant Karthikeyan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fascinating critique on the masculine and monolithic sexual gaze, urging readers to consider the labels we impose on others and ourselves to better understand the human condition. The perverse act of retelling Lizzy's experiences establishes a paradox for the reader-the doubt of passing one's guilt of a supposed murder whilst sympathizing with the pressure of family and legacy placed upon her. This play is entertaining while being profound, the characters are humorous but it holds an ominous... darker layer to the dialogue. Can't wait to analyse this more..

[Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I LOVE this. I would LOVE to see it performed.

[car · Rating 3 out of 5]

idk if i would’ve rated it this high if i hadn’t read it while watching the live version cause that was helpful and made it more interesting

[Debbie Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

----January 2026-----
Putting this on in Febuary for the first year intro scenes so I am re-reading to better get a grasp and refresher.
----December 10,2025---
Re-read this play as I am directing first year intro to theatre students on this play. Looking back when I was in intro student reading this for theatre class, did confuse me for a bit until chatting about it. This time, being a theatre student coming back to theatre school 3 years later and it makes sense-- and is very encapsulating. Even the toxic family dynamics were well felt. I am bumping this from a 2 to 3 stars. Can't wait to put this on!

----January 10,2022----
Read this again for school and I will tell you that this play is something, I finally understand that the dream thesis is a way back in time and the first read will definitely be confusing to a reader at first.
Lizzy Borden took an ax, gave her mother forty whacks, and when the job was nicely done she gave her father forty-one.
This play takes place dealing with a real case about Lizzy Borden and how she murdered her family, I will say that the dream thesis is a fun read and the ending always gets me! Overall this might be one of the other enjoyable plays I have read this year for school.

[gracelyn siebe · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.75⭐️
a very good play it’s just hard to give it more than 2 stars because it was so short and honestly felt like it had not a lot to it. however i do love the lizzie borden murders so this was very interesting to read!

[a.quiet.little.library · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5
I really like how explicit they are in the implication they can't convict her because that would be to admit the conditions for women in their society are enough to lead someone to such violence. It would also be to suggest women are even capable of a very physical and harsh murder

[Sayeon ANSHIKA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great drama 😭.

[Parteek · Rating 3 out of 5]

Read for school.