Witnesses To The Execution by Eric Mansfield

Three journalists meet to decompress at an overnight diner after filing their early-morning stories as witnesses to the state of Ohio’s most recent midnight execution -- the lethal injection of a man who raped and murdered two teen girls 20 years ago.

Still processing what they had just witnessed as part of their jobs, each must weigh the value of being a paid observer to a legal act of violence...
Three journalists meet to decompress at an overnight diner after filing their early-morning stories as witnesses to the state of Ohio’s most recent midnight execution -- the lethal injection of a man who raped and murdered two teen girls 20 years ago.

Still processing what they had just witnessed as part of their jobs, each must weigh the value of being a paid observer to a legal act of violence that the public never witnesses. Is there really value in journalists being seated with family members when someone is put to death? How will the experience of being in the death chamber change them?

Can they ever really move on from something they can never unsee?

A heated debate over pancakes and coffee forces each reporter to reconsider not only the merit’s of society’s decision to use the death penalty but what they themselves are enduring as willing members of the fourth estate.
  • Recommend
  • Download
  • Save to Reading List

Witnesses To The Execution

Recommended by

  • Cherielyn Ferguson:
    5 Feb. 2024
    “ 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! ”
  • Lainie Vansant:
    9 Dec. 2022
    “ 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. ”
  • Steven G. Martin:
    10 Nov. 2022
    “ 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. ”
View all 4 recommendations

Christian: M/25-35 dot-com reporter

Kelly: F/35-45 TV reporter

Bucky: M/50-65 print reporter

Sally: Waitress

Production History

  • Community Theater
    ,
    VetRep
    ,
    2024
  • University
    ,
    SUNY Brockport (NY) - Festival of Ten XIII
    ,
    2022