THE STORY: Inspired by real-life events, HENRY FLAMETHROWA tells the story of sixteen-year-old Henry, a confused and emotionally isolated young man who writes letters to the devil, unbeknownst to his deeply religious father, Peter. Henry’s younger sister, Lilja, lies silent in a coma from a mysterious childhood accident in the family swimming pool. For a number of years, Lilja has been visited by miracles, and the sick have flocked to this silent child’s bedside, claiming their prayers for healing have been answered in her presence. When Beth, a reporter, arrives to do a story about Lilja and her miracles, Henry confesses that he plans to disconnect Lilja’s breathing ventilator and allow her to die. Beth must then decide whether she should expose Henry’s plan and must confront her own assumptions about faith, spirituality and the intrinsic value of human life.
“A thought-provoking and neatly constructed play…Ambitious.” —The New York Times.
“Playwright John Belluso turns heady ideas about faith, fact and fantasy into a potent thriller…a powerfully dramatic story told by three fascinating characters.” —Boston Herald.
“The work of a talented young writer, one unafraid to deal with fundamental truths and need…written with force and drive…” —Providence Journal.
“…Belluso’s fictional characters are compelling, as mysterious as the girl lying behind the glass wall…it’s funny and surprising and edgy…” —Boston Globe.
