Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground

by Richard Hellesen

1962. Dwight Eisenhower is furious that two years after leaving office, he's ranked #22 ("Mediocre") on the list of presidents. Forcing him to revisit, and defend, the lessons of his Kansas youth, his military career, his moderate politics, and his belief in moral courage as the core of political and American greatness--especially when it's lacking in his own "party of Lincoln". Produced by the New Los...

1962. Dwight Eisenhower is furious that two years after leaving office, he's ranked #22 ("Mediocre") on the list of presidents. Forcing him to revisit, and defend, the lessons of his Kansas youth, his military career, his moderate politics, and his belief in moral courage as the core of political and American greatness--especially when it's lacking in his own "party of Lincoln". Produced by the New Los Angeles Repertory Company and Theatre West, 2022, starring John Rubinstein as Eisenhower; the production off-Broadway at Theatre at St. Clements in June 2023.

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Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground

Recommended by

  • Timothy J Foley: Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground by Richard Hellesen
    “

    Hellesen's distillation of Eisenhower's worldview and legacy is masterful. An incredibly timely play, reminding us both of what we have lost as a country but also what we will retain if we cast aside the distructive foolishness. John Rubinstein was transcendent in the production I saw in Alaska. I mean this literally: every American should see this play.

    Hellesen's distillation of Eisenhower's worldview and legacy is masterful. An incredibly timely play, reminding us both of what we have lost as a country but also what we will retain if we cast aside the distructive foolishness. John Rubinstein was transcendent in the production I saw in Alaska. I mean this literally: every American should see this play.

    ”
  • Philip Middleton Williams: Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground by Richard Hellesen
    “

    I saw this performed by John Rubinstein and directed by Peter Ellenstein at the 2024 Valdez Theatre Conference. It is an amazing piece of theater, not just for historical value but also for bringing the man and his time alive. Dwight Eisenhower’s insight into history and what Americas role in the world is inspiring, even more so today. Thank you, Richard, it’s a beautiful play.

    I saw this performed by John Rubinstein and directed by Peter Ellenstein at the 2024 Valdez Theatre Conference. It is an amazing piece of theater, not just for historical value but also for bringing the man and his time alive. Dwight Eisenhower’s insight into history and what Americas role in the world is inspiring, even more so today. Thank you, Richard, it’s a beautiful play.

    ”
  • Allen Carlson: Eisenhower: This Piece of Ground by Richard Hellesen
    “

    I learned a lot about Eisenhower the person , This play not only reveals American history but has strong moral lessons for individuals today. It’s messages are timeless.

    I learned a lot about Eisenhower the person , This play not only reveals American history but has strong moral lessons for individuals today. It’s messages are timeless.

    ”

Character Information

1M, 70s.
  • Dwight Eisenhower
    70s
    White
    Male
    Can be played by:
    • Actor Age
      60s,
      70s+
    • Actor Race/Ethnic Identity
      White
    • Actor Gender Identity
      Male

Development History

  • Reading, North Coast Repertory Theatre, 2022
  • Reading, New Los Angeles Repertory Company (at Theater at St. Clement's, NYC), 2021

Production History

  • Professional, New Los Angeles Repertory Company/Theatre West, 2022
  • Professional, Theatre at St. Clement's (off-Broadway, NYC), 2023
  • Professional, Rubicon Theatre, Ventura, CA, 2024
  • Professional, Ensemble Theatre Company, Santa Barbara, CA, 2024
  • Professional, Olney Theatre Center, Olney, MD, 2024

Awards

  • Outer Critics Circle Award Nomination, Best Solo Performance
    Outer Critics Circle, NYC
    2023