Fault Lines

by Rebecca Louise Miller

"Welcome to wine country: where the weather is mellow and the disasters epic."

Jessica, Kat, and Bethany are girlhood friends who witnessed the abduction of their friend Nina from her 12th birthday party. The event triggered a national media feeding frenzy, scarred their shared community and brought their childhoods screaming to a traumatized halt. After two decades apart, reacting to and against their common...

"Welcome to wine country: where the weather is mellow and the disasters epic."

Jessica, Kat, and Bethany are girlhood friends who witnessed the abduction of their friend Nina from her 12th birthday party. The event triggered a national media feeding frenzy, scarred their shared community and brought their childhoods screaming to a traumatized halt. After two decades apart, reacting to and against their common trauma in vastly different ways, they reunite at Bethany’s home the week the kidnapper is to be executed. While each claims to have come home seeking fellowship and support, all three harbor secrets that will force them into conflict.

Fault Lines was a semi-finalist for the O'Neil Playwrights Conference and a finalist for Playwrights' Week at the Lark. It has been produced in New York City, London, Northern California, Edinburgh and Chicago.

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Fault Lines

Recommended by

  • David Templeton: Fault Lines by Rebecca Louise Miller
    “

    I saw this play in 2012, in Sonoma County. I still think of it from time to time. In this powerful, yet frequently funny examination of grief, regret and resilience, Miller's storytelling and smart dialogue provide juicy stuff for the actors to make a meal of, while remaining sensitive to the lingering pain of the real-life tragedy that inspired the play. If you can, read it, see it, produce and/or perform it. And do check out Miller's remarkable play "Capacity," which I've also seen on stage.

    I saw this play in 2012, in Sonoma County. I still think of it from time to time. In this powerful, yet frequently funny examination of grief, regret and resilience, Miller's storytelling and smart dialogue provide juicy stuff for the actors to make a meal of, while remaining sensitive to the lingering pain of the real-life tragedy that inspired the play. If you can, read it, see it, produce and/or perform it. And do check out Miller's remarkable play "Capacity," which I've also seen on stage.

    ”
  • Rachel Hancock: Fault Lines by Rebecca Louise Miller
    “

    "In the Company of Women" is a standout play featuring three robust female roles that command attention. Authored by Rebecca Louise Miller, it offers authentic dialogue that feels both intriguing and genuine. The interactions between characters are compelling, filled with tension and vulnerability. This play is a must-read.

    "In the Company of Women" is a standout play featuring three robust female roles that command attention. Authored by Rebecca Louise Miller, it offers authentic dialogue that feels both intriguing and genuine. The interactions between characters are compelling, filled with tension and vulnerability. This play is a must-read.

    ”
  • Caitlin Strom-Martin: Fault Lines by Rebecca Louise Miller
    “

    A haunting, and deeply moving piece of theatre, about a case that touched my childhood on an intimate level. This really struck a nerve with me, and I would absolutely love to see this produced. Surreal, heart-wrenching and very provocative, with well written roles for women to shine in.

    A haunting, and deeply moving piece of theatre, about a case that touched my childhood on an intimate level. This really struck a nerve with me, and I would absolutely love to see this produced. Surreal, heart-wrenching and very provocative, with well written roles for women to shine in.

    ”

Character Information

While the exact ages of the characters can be adjusted, they are former classmates, so all four should appear to be the same age.
  • Jessica
    A tightly wound super-achiever; only comfortable when she is in charge. Jessica lives in NYC and proudly devotes her entire life to her nonprofit organization.
    30s
    American of any ethnicity
    (assigned female at birth - plot relevant) Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Grayson
    An on-camera reporter struggling to climb the ranks at a cable news channel. Accustomed to getting what he wants by meaning what he says.
    30s
    American of any ethnicity
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male
  • Bethany
    A happily married stay-at-home mother, Bethany leads a values-centered life. She works hard to maintain a cheerful demeanor and tries to see the best in people.
    Early 30s
    (assigned female at birth - plot relevant) Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female
  • Kat
    The charred remains of a former idealist, Kat hides her sensitivity behind a ferocious wit. Her life has begun to unravel and she has lost the ability to keep up appearances.
    30s
    American of any ethnicity
    (assigned female at birth - plot relevant) Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Female

Production History

  • Professional, Broken Road Theater Company, Chicago, IL, 2014
  • University, Knox College, Galesburg, IL, 2014
  • Professional, New Celts (Edinburg Fringe), 2013
  • Professional, Main Stage West, 2012
  • Professional, Invisible City Theater Company, New York City, 2010

Awards

  • Playwrights Week
    The Lark Play Development Center
    Finalist
    2009
  • O'Neill Playwrights Conference
    Semi-Finalist
    2009