Sundowning

by Len Fonte

When a woman with advanced dementia is discovered wandering in a park, she is taken to the memory unit of a nursing home. A DNA test shows that she was the subject of a famous missing person case thirty-seven years earlier. Her husband was accused of killing her and after years of suspicion, he committed suicide, leaving their two children presumed orphans. When the now adult children arrive looking for answers...

When a woman with advanced dementia is discovered wandering in a park, she is taken to the memory unit of a nursing home. A DNA test shows that she was the subject of a famous missing person case thirty-seven years earlier. Her husband was accused of killing her and after years of suspicion, he committed suicide, leaving their two children presumed orphans. When the now adult children arrive looking for answers, she can tell them nothing about where she’s been or what she has done. She doesn’t even know who they are. A tabloid TV crew is on the way to document the reunion.

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Sundowning

Recommended by

  • Bette Carlson Siler: Sundowning by Len Fonte
    “

    Saw a production of this a few weeks ago and it is still with me. A very novel take on the family dynamic and the intense loyalty of a family despite enormous odds. Highly recommend.

    Saw a production of this a few weeks ago and it is still with me. A very novel take on the family dynamic and the intense loyalty of a family despite enormous odds. Highly recommend.

    ”
  • Ric Siler: Sundowning by Len Fonte
    “

    I read this play a few weeks ago in advance of seeing it performed this weekend. When I read it, it knocked me out. I was with it all the way and it really packed a punch! In production it was even more powerful if that's possible. And Len's direction was spot on as well. Any way: a provocative, well written play which addresses issues we all are, have been or will be dealing with.

    I read this play a few weeks ago in advance of seeing it performed this weekend. When I read it, it knocked me out. I was with it all the way and it really packed a punch! In production it was even more powerful if that's possible. And Len's direction was spot on as well. Any way: a provocative, well written play which addresses issues we all are, have been or will be dealing with.

    ”
  • Donna Stuccio: Sundowning by Len Fonte
    “

    Sundowning by Len Fonte has a clever premise that makes intelligent use of how DNA revelations turn worlds upside down and give families the chance, or forces them, to reconcile with and rewrite their history. This play adroitly explores the mounting impact on remaining family members and highlights the pain of lost time. The playwright's well crafted dialogue moves the action and allows actors to shine as truths unravel and the past comes back to haunt. The action cleverly moves back and forth in time. It is a smart play with a great deal of heart. I highly recommend it.

    Sundowning by Len Fonte has a clever premise that makes intelligent use of how DNA revelations turn worlds upside down and give families the chance, or forces them, to reconcile with and rewrite their history. This play adroitly explores the mounting impact on remaining family members and highlights the pain of lost time. The playwright's well crafted dialogue moves the action and allows actors to shine as truths unravel and the past comes back to haunt. The action cleverly moves back and forth in time. It is a smart play with a great deal of heart. I highly recommend it.

    ”