Catholic School Girls

The nuns are either tough or mentally addled, the girls are alternately best friends and bitter enemies, and the references to their families are full of allusions to the abuse and everyday neglect that, during the time in which the play is set (1962-70), was deemed acceptable behaviour

While there are no male parts in this play, the male presence is clearly felt - schoolmates, prepubescent crushes and an elderly nun's long-lost love all figure into the story

Fathers especially are put under the microscope. Maria Theresa's father is an Italian-American with nine children and a violent temper, a man who lashes out even as he attempts kindness

In her monologue, Maria tells of how he helps her with her math homework - "I don't want him to because if I give the wrong answer he gets mad and hits me"

Similarly, Wanda, the spoiled but unhappy daughter of the wealthy Polish butcher tells how her mother only kisses her father if he brings home some meat other than hamburger

But the threat of violent fathers and nuns with rulers is a minor consideration when compared with the threat of discipline by God - which hangs above all the children and is invoked by the nuns to prevent bad behaviour

The confusing relationship between God and his earthly charges is felt most strongly by Elizabeth, whose beloved grandmother dies after Elizabeth's father threatens to throw her out of the house

In one of the most moving scenes in the play, Elizabeth admonishes God - "I'll spit all over your face, whatever it looks like. Because you and everyone else in this world are one big pack of liars"