A HARD hitting play - A Conversation - by Australian playwright David Williams gets its UK premiere at the Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester.

Two families united by a terrible crime, face each other in one room.

The Milsoms have lost their daughter to a murderer and rapist. The other, the Williams, are the killer's family.

The production explores what happens in the aftermath of the worst crime imaginable. It asks what responsibility do we have for the crimes of our family members and what hope there is for healing in the face of overwhelming feelings of anger and revenge.

David Williamson has written more than 25 plays, many of which have been translated into many languages and performed internationally, including major productions in London, Los Angeles, New York and Washington.

Jacob Murray, who has recently been made Associate Artistic Director at the Exchange, directs.

A Conversation runs from September 22 to October 9.