Good Night, Sweet Mother deals with the controversial subject of euthanasia, or "mercy killing." The subject is treated both fairly and with great dignity in this 1-act play, which, according to the author, "creates far more questions among the audience than the script itself answers."

Annabelle Litke is slowly dying of cancer. The pain is so severe, even her prescription cannot help. She asks her son to help her take her life—so she can die a "dignified death." He sadly agrees. But Annabelle's daughter is against her mother's decision and says her brother will be a murderer if he helps her commit suicide. As the curtain closes the sister embraces her brother, not because she has changed her mind, but as a sign of close family love the three had shared.

This gripping play gives intelligent and convincing arguments for both sides of this emotional problem. After its premiere production, professionals led audience discussion on issues raised in the play. The three main viewpoints on the subject are represented by the mother, terminally ill with cancer who wants to die with dignity; her son, who loves her so dearly he complies though it tears his heart out, and her daughter, who cannot commit to an act she thinks is wrong.

The author's video tape of the premiere performance at the Abraham Lincoln Cabin Theatre in Morongo Valley, Calif. is available from the publisher. Set in the living room in the home of Annabelle Litke; a September night, present time; modern clothes.

See also: Plays About Family Relationships, Plays About Death and War