The Children (play)

The Children is a full-length play written by British playwright Lucy Kirkwood. It premiered in London at the Royal Court Theatre in 2016, directed by James Macdonald. The play was nominated for a Tony Award for Best Play in 2018 after its Broadway debut at the Samuel J. Friedman Theatre.

The play explores themes of responsibility, guilt, environmental crisis, and intergenerational conflict. Set in a remote cottage following a devastating nuclear accident at a power plant, it focuses on three retired nuclear physicists: Hazel and Robin, a married couple, and Rose, their former colleague and Robin's former lover. Rose's unexpected visit forces the trio to confront their past actions and consider what responsibility they bear for the disaster and the future of the planet.

The narrative is largely character-driven, relying on dialogue and nuanced performances to create tension and explore the complex relationships between the three protagonists. The play's title refers not only to Hazel and Robin's own children but also to the future generations who will inherit the consequences of present-day decisions regarding environmental stewardship and technological advancements. The Children is often praised for its thought-provoking commentary on climate change, aging, and the ethics of scientific innovation.