←Recommendations of Water and Blood

Jan Probst is so terrific at creating atmosphere and distinct, recognizable voices. As someone who also grew up in the lake area of northern Indiana, I felt like I knew her people and their speech patterns. They are real and true. I loved this play, in part because I was sure I knew how it would end and it took a turn that left me stunned. Treat yourself to this one!

To be born out of tragedy, to witness the tragedy, to know the pain and guilt of the tragedy...To wonder what if the tragedy hadn't happened? This artfully crafted play sneaks up on you through the threads of different points of view from the tragedy ending a boy's life and how it shaped everyone it touched. Before you know it, tears are streaming down your face.

The power of the story of these brothers and their connection isn't in just what has happened -- or will happen. It is in the honest and plain-spoken monologues that comes from these characters that envelop you slowly until you realize you are fully pulled in. Then comes the revelation, and only then do you see the craft that Jan Probst has wrought in this short but powerful play.

Such a fascinating story, like driving past a wreck I had to slow down and take it all in. Beautifully written and incredibly dramatic.

Can we grieve for someone we never knew? What do we do with our tragic family legacies? How do we cope? In this brief but powerful play, Probst weaves together multiple narrative strands to tell a story of grief, guilt, and moving on. Gorgeously written and deeply compassionate.