A Prayer for My Daughter (play)

A Prayer for My Daughter is a one-act play by Irish playwright Thomas Kilroy. It was first performed in 1977. The play is known for its intense and claustrophobic atmosphere, its exploration of male violence and psychological trauma, and its use of stark language.

The play is set in a Dublin police station late at night. Two fathers, Sergeant Keogh and Dan Hogan, are waiting for news of their daughters, who have been involved in a violent incident. The play features only four characters: the two fathers and two young men, Brian and Jimmy, who are also being held at the station. The action unfolds through a series of fragmented conversations and monologues, gradually revealing the disturbing events that have transpired and the psychological states of the characters.

A Prayer for My Daughter grapples with themes of fatherhood, guilt, innocence, and the corrosive effects of societal and personal violence. The play's title is ironic, as traditional notions of prayer and protection are juxtaposed with the brutal reality of the situation. It is often interpreted as a critique of toxic masculinity and the cyclical nature of violence within families and society.

The play has been widely studied and performed, and is considered a significant work in Irish theatre. Its powerful themes and dramatic intensity continue to resonate with audiences.