Battling the Ghost of Max Schmeling

Performances

• Fusion Theatre, The Seven New Works Festival, Equity production, June 5–15, 2014

Summary

Battling the Ghost of Max Schmeling is a one-act play exploring the heavy burden of survivor's guilt and the long-wandering spirits of war. The narrative centers on Ray, an elderly, widowed World War II veteran, who braves the morning dew to inspect his split-rail fence after a late-night car wreck. During this quiet morning, he is joined by Tiago, his young Portuguese foxhole buddy who tragically died in the frozen trenches of eastern France in 1945. As they converse, the pair wander through Ray's deeply rooted memories, recalling the hospital where his shattered face was rebuilt.