A dark, haunting, and compelling portrayal of intergenerational trauma. For Karlie, it's not complicated: She won't forgive her mother's past abuse and neglect. Her fiancé and his own mom, red flags flapping, press Karlie to forgive and invite Mother to the upcoming wedding. Girl, run! This powerful and complex monologue, with emotions burbling above and below the surface, will make an incredible audition piece.

Paul Donnelly once again shows his prowess at monologue writing. In this instance the story is told in great depth but with masterful brevity. The subject matters covered are many and various and the genres line up alongside each other - how does the writer pack the page with so much content and pack a punch with such great material?

It’s okay to hate your mother.

Trust me.

it’s okay not to forgive her… to cut her out of your fucking life.

What’s not okay… what’s aboslutley unacceptable… is denying someone their anger at being hurt.

What’s not okay is to respond so someone’s rage with, “You have to forgive her. She’s the only mother you’ve got.”

So, I’m Team Karlie.

Donnelly paints a vivid portrait of the scorched earth of intergenerational abuse. Not only the pain but the pragmatic self-preservation. When joy isn’t worth the risk.

A gut-punch.