Sticks and Bones stands as a poignant creation by the illustrious playwright David Rabe, who delves deep into the Vietnam War's tumultuous aftermath through his array of theatrical works. This particular play intertwines dark humor and gripping drama to lay bare the poignant story of David, a soldier whose sightless eyes mirror the spiritual blindness of his family back home. As David grapples with his new reality, he finds himself drifting apart from relatives who remain oblivious and unwilling to embrace the harrowing truths he carries. The escalating friction unearths deep-seated issues within each family member, as Rabe masterfully satirizes the denial prevalent among Americans who remained untouched by the war's ravages. Intriguingly, some characters bear names from the iconic 1950s and 1960s sitcom, The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet, adding a layer of cultural commentary. Through an eclectic mix of narrative styles, rich symbolism, and imaginative ideas, Rabe invites audiences to explore the divide between perception and reality. Though the play sparked polarized opinions among critics, the potency of Rabe's craft leaves an indelible impression.

David Rabe, drawing from his own experiences as a Vietnam veteran, penned Sticks and Bones during his time as a graduate student at Villanova University in the vibrant late '60s. The play first graced the stage there in 1969, laying the groundwork for its theatrical journey. Following on the heels of Rabe's triumphant off-Broadway production, The Basic Training of Pavlo Hummel in early 1971, Sticks and Bones ventured into the spotlight at the Florence Sutro Anspacher Theatre that November. Its success catapulted it to Broadway's illustrious John Golden Theatre in 1972, where it enthralled audiences for 366 performances. The play's brilliance was recognized with a plethora of awards, including the esteemed Elizabeth Hull-Kate Warriner Award from the Dramatists Guild in 1971, the prestigious 1972 Antoinette Perry Award (Tony Award) for Best Play, and the Outer Critics Circle Award, cementing its legacy in the annals of theatrical history.