The Board by Eric Mansfield

When a new West Point graduate visiting NYC wanders into a conversation between two veterans playing chess in the park, he gets a life lesson he wasn't expecting and that might just keep him -- and his fellow soldiers -- alive.

The play recently premiered as a radio drama on Gather By The Ghost Light Podcast, which invited the playwright for an interview as well. https://podcasts.apple.com/...
When a new West Point graduate visiting NYC wanders into a conversation between two veterans playing chess in the park, he gets a life lesson he wasn't expecting and that might just keep him -- and his fellow soldiers -- alive.

The play recently premiered as a radio drama on Gather By The Ghost Light Podcast, which invited the playwright for an interview as well. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/gather-by-the-ghost-light/id1504514608?i=1000585718982&fbclid=IwAR3YGx98ATOgunq0Rg2zskT3scbXo_Mgb3Lnph7gy9Qh6x1hfRzprG8nCZU

This play originally debuted as part of the 2021 Veterans Play Festival at Salem State University in November. More at: https://www.essexcountycreates.org/event/veterans-10-minute-play-festival-2021/

This play was also chosen for a reading at the Fringe Festival of the 2022 Mid American Theatre Conference (MATC) in February in Cleveland.
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The Board

Recommended by

  • Ian Thal:
    23 Jul. 2023
    “ A meditation on the morality of leadership. If the game of chess can teach strategic thinking and the necessity of sacrifice for the sake of an ultimate objective, does it fail to teach the responsibility of the strategist for the well-being of those being lead?

    Excellent potential both as a character study and an exercise in visually and physically imaginative staging. ”
  • Jonathan Cook:
    20 Dec. 2022
    “ I produced an audio play version of this script on the radio theater podcast GATHER BY THE GHOST LIGHT (https://www.podpage.com/gather-by-the-ghost-light/ep-39-the-board/). A tale about the old teaching the new. What I love most about this piece is Mansfield's way with dialogue and how he presented a tough but thoughtful lesson in the story while maintaining a mutual respect between the vets and the young soldier. A fantastic and tidy story! ”
  • Christopher Plumridge:
    17 Nov. 2022
    “ I have just listened to a wonderful recording of this great play on the Gather by the Ghost Light podcast. THE BOARD is a meeting of old minds and young, neither ate right or wrong, but these old veteran's make their young compatriot see many things in a whole new light. Eric cleverly uses a chess board to prove his point and bring this to life to excellent effect. Great! ”
View all 5 recommendations

Adult 18-28 (1)
Adults 50-70 (2)
Note, actors can be of any race.
Note, young actor (Lance) can be also be of any gender. Character name may be altered to Laura.

Development History

  • Reading
    ,
    Mid American Theatre Conference
    ,
    2022
  • Workshop
    ,
    Salem State University
    ,
    2021

Production History

  • Professional
    ,
    Gather By The Ghost Light Radio Play (Podcast)
    ,
    2022
  • University
    ,
    Veterans Play Festival at Salem State University
    ,
    2021