Honour (Murray-Smith play)

Honour is a play written by Australian playwright Joanna Murray-Smith. It premiered in Melbourne in 1995. The play explores themes of marriage, fidelity, aging, and the complexities of female identity within domestic relationships.

The story centres on Honour, a successful writer and mother who is suddenly confronted with the disintegration of her seemingly perfect thirty-two-year marriage to George, a charismatic journalist. George leaves Honour for Claudia, a younger journalist who is interviewing him for a profile piece. The play examines the impact of George's sudden departure on Honour and her daughter, Sophie, forcing them to confront difficult truths about their lives and relationships.

Honour is known for its sharp dialogue, complex characters, and unflinching portrayal of marital breakdown and the search for personal fulfillment. It has been produced internationally and remains a popular choice for theatre companies. The play's exploration of betrayal and the search for meaning resonates with audiences, sparking discussions about societal expectations and the evolving roles of women.