A question of mercy
By: David Rabe ; based on the essay by Richard Selzer.
Contributors: Selzer, Richard, 1928-
Edition: 1st ed,
Publisher: Grove Press; Distributed by Publishers Group West
Published: 1998
Place of publication: New York; [Emeryville, Calif.]
Language: eng
Number of pages: 117
Subjects: AIDS (Disease) -- Patients -- Drama.; Euthanasia -- Drama.; Gay men -- Drama.
Description: Thomas and Anthony are lovers struggling with Anthony's final, exhausting battle with AIDS. Joined by their friend Susanah and a retired doctor, whose help Thomas has requested, they fashion a heartbreaking friendship as they work through the stages of a plan to relieve Anthony of his illness and his life. Each character does battle with the moral and legal issues that attend the decision to help Anthony die - is this murder or mercy?

Rabe creates a passionate depiction of four people confronted with the reality of a loved one's fight with death, and a compelling dramatic event that poses the question: "What would you do?"