"Buried Child" is a play written by Sam Shepard that premiered in 1978. It explores the disintegration of the American family and the impact of secrets and disillusionment. The story revolves around the Tilden family, who live on a farm in Illinois, and reveals their dark past and hidden traumas. The play is set in a rural environment and uses symbolism, particularly the concept of a buried child, to represent lost dreams and the decay of traditional values. It won the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1979, highlighting its significance in American theater.