Fran and Dad Are Here

by Victoria Mack

Edward and Fran are visitng Hannah and having a wonderful time. But when Hannah tells her daughter, Ally, about the visit, Ally threatens to call the nurses. Are things not what they seem? This 15-minute play examines mental illness and queer identity through the lens of dementia.

Edward and Fran are visitng Hannah and having a wonderful time. But when Hannah tells her daughter, Ally, about the visit, Ally threatens to call the nurses. Are things not what they seem? This 15-minute play examines mental illness and queer identity through the lens of dementia.

  • Inquire About Rights
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Library

Fran and Dad Are Here

Recommended by

  • Dave Osmundsen: Fran and Dad Are Here by Victoria Mack
    “

    One of the rare dementia plays I read that honors and centers the experience of someone undergoing dementia, "Fran and Dad Are Here" smartly avoids the common tropes of "burden" and "Don't you remember?" that are often attributed to these plays. Instead, it is warm, tender, and intimate. It gives the protagonist a strong inner life that honors the past, present, and near future. Beautiful play!

    One of the rare dementia plays I read that honors and centers the experience of someone undergoing dementia, "Fran and Dad Are Here" smartly avoids the common tropes of "burden" and "Don't you remember?" that are often attributed to these plays. Instead, it is warm, tender, and intimate. It gives the protagonist a strong inner life that honors the past, present, and near future. Beautiful play!

    ”

Character Information

HANNAH: 80, female, any race, spunky. Wears a hospital gown.
FRAN: 28, female or non-binary, any race, strong. Dressed like a ‘60s radical.
EDWARD: 60, male, any race, loving. Dressed like a working-class, middle-aged man in 1970.
  • Hannah
    Should be played by an older actress, not a younger woman in age makeup.
    80s
    Any
    Female
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      70s+
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Woman
  • Fran
    Female or non-binary. Queer.
    28
    Any
    Female,
    Non-binary
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      20s,
      30s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Non-binary,
      Woman
  • Edward
    60
    Any
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      50s,
      60s
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Man

Production History

  • Professional, TUBU Fest, 2026, Fall, upcoming
  • Workshop, Queens Theatre, 2026