Sometimes plays really ARE about life and death. This is a character-driven piece that’s absorbing at every turn. Casual reminiscences of past executions turn into a replay of the event itself, told by a young reporter who’s trying to process what he’s just seen for the first time. There are four good parts for a variety of ages—each with distinct viewpoints that never come across in dry, discussion-like dialog. Well done!

There's something about a playwright sharing their lived experience that just hits differently. This moving piece shines a light on the important issue of the death penalty while maintaining a deeply personal point of view.

Are there flaws to the death penalty and execution by lethal injection? How does it affect journalists who are required by law to serve as witnesses and extensions of society?

Eric Mansfield has written an excellent "issue" play with "Witnesses for the Execution." There are well-defined characters, excellent dialogue, philosophical points of view. The location and time of this play are also excellent, too, not pandering for cheap theatrical thrills.

I hope this play receives more productions.