Without Mercy

by Patricia Milton

Learning that her missing daughter has been murdered, an anguished mother battles her surviving daughter to make sure the killer receives the death penalty. Their clash of deep-seated beliefs causes long-held resentments to erupt around the family’s tragedy. Their legal advocate swears he’s neutral, but his actions contradict his claim. Challenged by a terrible trade-off, the three struggle to reach a resolution...

Learning that her missing daughter has been murdered, an anguished mother battles her surviving daughter to make sure the killer receives the death penalty. Their clash of deep-seated beliefs causes long-held resentments to erupt around the family’s tragedy. Their legal advocate swears he’s neutral, but his actions contradict his claim. Challenged by a terrible trade-off, the three struggle to reach a resolution.

Note: The script for download features a man and two women, but the character of Sam is written to be played by a man or woman actor. The script with female pronouns is available - just ask!

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Without Mercy

Recommended by

  • Cheryl Bear: Without Mercy by Patricia Milton
    “

    A powerful look at grief and justice. And how can justice be carried out when neutrality isn't there? Moving and well done.

    A powerful look at grief and justice. And how can justice be carried out when neutrality isn't there? Moving and well done.

    ”

Character Information

3 women or two women, one man.
  • JOANNA PARKS
    An out-of-work school teacher. Controlling and fearful, a long shadow of
    sorrow and loss hangs over her, but she retains an unexpected sense of humor. Unhealthy
    from months of heavy drinking, she is currently dry and feeling it. Unforgiving.
    40's-50's
    White
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • BETHANY MATTHEWS
    JOANNA’s daughter, a psychologist, late 20’s-30’s. Dutiful, resentful. Always trying to
    do right thing, and always worried she isn’t succeeding. Tries to avoid reacting to her
    mother, but cannot help herself. Even more desperate to avoid “becoming” her mother.
    20's-30's
    White
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • SAM SIBLEY
    Their attorney, 40’s-50’s, African American or mixed race, smart, compassionate, a bit in over their head, and new to this particular role. While they work in a criminal law office, they are not familiar with mediating family issues like the ones that present here. This character may be played by a woman or a man.
    40's-60's
    African American / Black
    Any
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      40s,
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      Black, African, Caribbean, or African American
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female,
      Male

Development History

  • Workshop, 11th Annual Women's Work Festival, Newfoundland, Canada, 2017
  • Reading, Central Works, 2016

Production History

  • Professional, Off Broadway West Theater Company, San Francisco, 2017