Tribune
© Louis Felder
(Drama, a full-length play)
Post 9/11, a religious terrorist confronts a newspaper editor who must choose between the public's right to safety or freedom of the press.
Eight characters, present time, one dressed set
Characters
Chip Chapman, 35, educated, assured, the Tribune's editor-in-chief, a former Marine.Louie, 83, African-American. He's been shining shoes at the Tribune for 70 years and has become a tradition.
Dan Powers, about 55, an attorney. When he smiles, he is working.
Bernie, 30s, the Tribune's managing editor, bright, with a New York edge to his personality.
Lillian, 60s, a thin nervous woman who takes her job as Chip's private secretary very seriously.
Christina Chapman, 45, the second wife of Chip's father. A former cocktail waitress, she won't take any attitude from anyone.
Janet Chapman, about 32, Chip's wife, well-bred, pretty, sophisticated, socially prominent, dysfunctional.
Chaplain Wayne, about 40 with a Midwest accent.
Synopsis
A drama. After the events of 9/11, the young editor (35) of the Tribune newspaper writes an editorial condemning religious fundamentalism which promotes terror in the name of God, Allah and Yahweh. The editorial angers the new owner of the Tribune, a tough former cocktail waitress (and widow of the editor’s father). It also impels a religious leader of a mysterious group called the Sword of Abraham to demand the Tribune print its manifesto of righteous conduct. The editor refuses.
After the mayor is kidnapped, the editor still refuses to compromise the public’s right to a free press. When the religious terrorist invades the Tribune Tower with a bomb threat, the editor is faced with a choice – to risk loss of life or freedom of the press. His decision is heroic but tragic.
At times the characters in the play speak to the audience; some report events as they know them, others lie or distort the events to their advantage. The issues of the play resonate with today’s audiences, especially after 9/11.
Download the script