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"Lindsey Ferrentino writes with a moral conscience second to none among her generation of playwrights." —Variety
Nick's got a story to tell you. About how a routine traffic stop turned into a conviction for murder. About how he spent the next twenty-two years on death row. About how he finally petitioned the court, seeking not an appeal, but for his execution date. And about what happened next…
Based on the extraordinary true story of Nick Yarris—and on David Sington's documentary film about him—The Fear of 13 is a gripping exploration of truth, justice, and the chasm between them.
This edition of the play, featuring an exclusive afterword by Nick Yarris, was published alongside the 2026 Broadway production and available exclusively in the U.S.
"A brave playwright…a writer of dauntless conviction whose unflinching portraits are hard to come by outside of journalism."
—New York Times
"A wrenching portrait of death row injustice…shards of jagged humour mingle with moments of farce but also exquisite intimacy."
—Telegraph
"Belongs in a league of its own…Ferrentino has turned a solo narrative into a richer ensemble piece."
—The Times
"Astounding…Ferrentino's script gallops with innovative charm…one of the best new plays of the year."
—WhatsOnStage
"A cracking piece of storytelling…eschews one-man-play cliches."
—Time Out
"Something special…a memorable evening of theatre."
—TheatreWeekly
"Stunning…Lindsey Ferrentino's breathtaking writing elevates an incredible true story to a powerful new level."
—All That Dazzles
"A story told in captivating sequences with heart-breaking simplicity…surprisingly funny and profoundly moving."
—Reviews Hub
"Utterly captivating…a gut-wrenching testament to the failure of judicial systems…a devastating picture of human resilience and our capacity for hope."
—West End Best Friend
"A brilliant piece of writing…darkly funny, tense, sympathetic and understated."
—British Theatre Guide
Lindsey Ferrentino is an American playwright whose plays have been produced internationally. They include The Fear of 13 (Donmar Warehouse, London, 2024), Ugly Lies the Bone (Off-Broadway, 2015; National Theatre, London, 2017), and Amy and the Orphans (Off-Broadway, 2018). Her other plays include: Kokomo, This Flat Earth, Magic Man, Moonlight on the Bayou, and Paradise Bar and Grill.