Arthur Miller's critique of the American Dream comes alarmingly to life in this post-WW2 family drama, based partially on real life events. Survivor's guilt, misplaced hope and denial all combine to create a catastrophic event in their lives, as a dark secret finally comes to light.

WHAT IS THE PLAY ABOUT?

Taking place in post-war America, 60-year old Joe Keller is haunted by a guilt - could his past actions have cost 21 young Air Force pilots their lives during the war? Although he was exonerated, his best friend Steve Deever was implicated in the incident, and was sent to prison. His neighbours believe that he is guilty, including his wife Kate, who is also mourning the disappearance of her son Larry, who is MIA.

The simmering tensions boil over when Ann Deever, Steve's daughter and ex-paramour of Larry wishes to marry his brother Chris. Upon receiving a visit from her lawyer brother George, she discovers Joe's awful secret - he is in fact guilty of approving faulty plane engines for use in military aircraft, and almost certainly shares responsibility for the pilots' deaths. Joe visits Steve in prison, and after affirming his guilt, takes drastic action to exonerate his family and to escape the hatred of his wife.