A world-renowned and much-respected anthropologist, Vivian is most comfortable in her world of quiet solitude, balking at even the idea of interaction with the outside world. Her life is abruptly changed, however, when her ex-husband shows up and asks Vivian to take their thirteen-year-old autistic daughter, Lucy.

Reluctantly, Vivian agrees, although motherhood is something that she never desired. Overwhelmed by the particulars of Lucy's care and unable to connect with her daughter at first, Vivian soon realizes that Lucy isn't that different from her—socially awkward, emotionally withholding, and reclusive—and slowly comes to believe that she and Lucy are the next step in the evolutionary chain. A powerful play about the relationship between mother and daughter, the power of love, and the rare moments in life when something, or someone, comes along and forces us to re-evaluate our own lives and the way we respond to the world around us.

Actor and playwright Damien Atkins was born in Australia and grew up in Edmonton. He is the author and performActor and playwright Damien Atkins was born in Australia and grew up in Edmonton. He is the author and performer of two solo shows: miss chatelaine and Real Live Girl, as well as the full-length plays Good Mother and Lucy. He has been playwright-in-residence at the Canadian Stage Company and at the University of British Columbia and is the recipient of a Dora Award nomination for Best New Play for Lucy, a Sterling Award for miss chatelaine, and two Dora Awards for Real Live Girl. Damien is a member of the Theatrefront Ensemble and a guest instructor at the National Theatre School. He makes his home in Toronto.er of two solo shows: miss chatelaine, and Real Live Girl, as well as the full-length plays Good Mother and Lucy. He has been playwright-in-residence at the Canadian Stage Company and at the University of British Columbia and is the recipient of a Dora Award nomination for Best New Play for Lucy, a Sterling Award for miss chatelaine, and two Dora Awards for Real Live Girl. Damien is a member of the Theatrefront Ensemble and a guest instructor at the National Theatre School. He makes his home in Toronto.

Damien Atkins' profile page

"…Atkins offers a striking take on evolution and civilization, and the play vibrates with tension and possibilities."

NOW Magazine