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A Lynch Mob Foiled (Monologue) by Donald E. Baker

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  • Morey Norkin:
    20 Jul. 2023
    “ Don Baker takes us back to Indiana in 1880 through the recollection of Sheriff Gus Lemcke. Baker provides a vivid picture of that era through the authentic language of this monologue. The story of this White sheriff protecting a Black prisoner from an angry White mob is compelling and frightening knowing how it could have turned out. Another excellent example of Baker shining a spotlight on injustice and those willing to stand against it. ”
  • Ian Donley:
    26 Jul. 2022
    “ The language is vividly clear. From the first paragraph to the last sentence, the story is giving its full complexity and nuance.
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  • Charles Scott Jones:
    25 Jul. 2022
    “ This monologue is so powerful for the simple direct voice of Gus Lemcke, a Republican sheriff, in Vanderburgh County, Indiana, 1880 - from a memoir adapted by Donald E Baker. If current events lead us to believe that times are bad, a historical reflection like A LYNCH MOB FAILED gives hope that we too shall persevere and prevail. The details of this piece are astounding, from the sheriff's family living under the same roof as the convicts in the jail, to the monologue's brilliant last line that I won't spoil. Please read this wonderful piece! ”
  • Rachel Feeny-Williams:
    25 Jan. 2022
    “ Donald Baker has a true gift for writing powerful monologues, his characters equipped with unique voices and stories that you could probably see unfolding before you if you were listening while your eyes were closed. This piece is no exception to that. Its a powerful and dark piece that explores the angry history of parts of America and the prejudices that existed within them. As a British person, I always find it fascinating to read the perspectives of American writers on their history. I certainly picked a great playwright to read for that reason. This piece should be heard! ”
  • Scott Sickles:
    21 Jul. 2021
    “ A deep, dark, powerful look into American racism and white supremacy, made all the more stirring by the sheriff’s calm retelling of the incidents in question. The events described are horrific and suspenseful enough that they require no embellishment. It’s necessary history and Baker tells it with indelible clarity. ”
  • Andrew Martineau:
    13 Mar. 2021
    “ This is a powerful monologue based on a true account of a sheriff who had the courage to do the right thing when justice was hanging in the balance. These stories need to be told, and theatre can make it feel immediate and necessary to be told, regardless of when it has taken place. Sadly, this story still has urgency. Well done, Donald. ”
  • John Busser:
    14 Feb. 2021
    “ The more things change, the more they stay the same. As we listen to the impactful account of an elected official doing his best to ensure the safety of a prisoner from a mob, guilty only of having a different skin color, we can't help but feel anger at realizing we haven't learned a damn thing. These are powerful words, adapted from a real life event, and we can take comfort in knowing that there are still good people in this world, ready to uphold justice. A monologue that will stay with you. I know it will stay with me. ”