Loretta Boyle
Late 60sNewfoundland-born, warm, spirited and sharp-tongued, with a strong Newfoundland accent. Henry’s devoted wife of nearly fifty years. Walks with a cane following a serious fall.
The Presence of Henry
“Christmas is a time for family, friends, laughter… and a little unfinished business.”
The Story
Synopsis
Ten days before Christmas Eve, 1998, Henry and Loretta Boyle are preparing for a rare family Christmas together in their modest Kingston, Ontario home. Their daughter Elora Jane has returned after years away, while their troubled son David and his daughter Becky are expected to join them. Beneath the warmth, humour and familiar holiday traditions, however, the Boyle family carries old wounds, strained relationships and secrets that have been buried for decades.
As Christmas approaches, Henry begins confronting his failures as a husband and father and attempts to repair the relationships he fears he has damaged. When the family is faced with an unexpected tragedy, old resentments resurface and long-held secrets threaten to change their understanding of one another forever.
The Presence of Henry is a warm, funny and bittersweet Canadian family drama about forgiveness, belonging, the secrets families keep, and the enduring bonds of family.
Dramatis Personae
Characters
Henry Boyle
Late 60sNew Brunswick-born, retired, stubborn, funny and outspoken. Loves his family deeply, though he sometimes struggles to show it. Speaks with a strong Maritime accent.
Elora Jane Boyle
40sHenry and Loretta’s intelligent, independent and strong-willed daughter. Successful in her career, but emotionally distant from her father after years of unresolved conflict.
David Boyle
40sHenry and Loretta’s son and Becky’s father. Charming and good-humoured, but troubled and somewhat irresponsible. His relationship with his father is often strained.
Becky Boyle
Mid-20sDavid’s daughter and Henry and Loretta’s granddaughter. Bright, perceptive and mature beyond her years.
Mary Hay
60sThe Boyles’ longtime neighbour and Loretta’s closest friend. Warm-hearted, eccentric and relentlessly talkative. Knows practically everyone and everything going on in Kingston. Speaks with an Ottawa Valley accent.
Noam Ecker
50s–60sJewish widower and longtime neighbour of the Boyles. Short in stature, grouchy and quick-witted. Has carried on a long-running feud with Henry for years.
Father Duffy
60s–70sIrish/Jamaican parish priest and longtime friend of the Boyle family. Unorthodox, compassionate and wise, with a dry sense of humour.
Setting
December 1998. The modest, cosy Boyle family home on Alamein Drive in Kingston, Ontario, built in the late 1940s. The home should feel lived-in, working-class and distinctly Canadian at Christmas, with family photographs and Christmas decorations throughout.
The story takes place primarily in the kitchen, dining area and living room, with the Christmas tree becoming an important visual element as the play progresses. The play begins in December 1998, with Act Two, Scene Three moving forward one year to Christmas Eve 1999.
For Theatres & Producers
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Amateur and community performance rights are administered through the Playwrights Guild of Canada.
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Professional performance rights are handled directly by Gideon Heath.