The Arbor: The disturbing life of British playwright Andrea Dunbar

Andrea Dunbar character played by Kate Rutter

Andrea Dunbar died at 29 from a brain hemorrhage exacerbated by drug and alcohol abuse after a brief and tumultuous life and a heartbreaking relationship with her daughter Lorraine who was half Pakistani.  In a township like the Buttershaw Estate in Yorkshire - which reeked of racism, poverty and violence - that in itself was the kiss of death for both of them.  Dunbar, however, became an accomplished playwright in spite of or because of her miserable life. Ironically, at the age of 29, her own daughter found herself in prison for manslaughter in the death of her infant son. 

Read more »