Fifteen years prior to the events of the play, Ray had a sexual relationship with Una when she was twelve years old. Ray served prison time and has since changed his name, moved to a new town, and attempted to rebuild a quiet life. Una has tracked him down after seeing his photo in a trade magazine. What follows is a raw, uncomfortable, and emotional excavation of their shared past, blurring the lines between victim and perpetrator, and love and abuse.

Lena felt a surge of anger. "No, I don't," she said. "I want you to leave me alone."

"Blackbird" is noted for its exploration of themes such as abuse, power dynamics, and the complexity of human relationships. It's considered a significant work for its portrayal of these difficult subjects and has received critical acclaim.