Blood Relations (Pollock play)

Blood Relations, a play by Sharon Pollock, explores the life and death of Lizzie Borden, the woman famously accused of murdering her father and stepmother. It's not a straightforward biographical account, however, but rather a complex and fragmented reconstruction of events, examining the psychological and societal pressures surrounding Lizzie and challenging simplistic interpretations of guilt or innocence.

The play utilizes a non-linear structure, jumping between different time periods and perspectives. This fragmented narrative reflects Lizzie's own fragmented memory and the fragmented nature of historical accounts. Through flashbacks and dreamlike sequences, Pollock delves into Lizzie's relationship with her parents, exploring themes of patriarchal control, female repression, and the limitations placed upon women in the 19th century. The play doesn't shy away from the gruesome details of the murders, but it emphasizes the psychological and emotional impact of these events on Lizzie and her community.

The characters in ''Blood Relations'' are not simply representations of historical figures; they are multifaceted individuals whose motivations and intentions are ambiguous. The play encourages the audience to consider various interpretations of the events and to draw their own conclusions about Lizzie's guilt or innocence. Ultimately, Pollock's focus is not on determining Lizzie's culpability but on understanding the complexities of her life, her relationships, and the historical context in which the events unfolded. The play raises questions about justice, truth, and the power of societal narratives to shape our understanding of individuals and events. The ambiguity inherent in the play's structure and characterization reflects the enduring mystery surrounding the Borden murders and the ongoing fascination with Lizzie Borden herself.