Illiterate yet affable, Bobby Reyburn loves to do impressions and watch soap operas. He’s also a member of the Aryan nation sitting on death row, convicted of an unimaginable hate crime. John Brennan is an articulate, well-educated convict and editor of the prison newspaper, The Death Row Advocate. Following executions, John publishes obituaries that tell the stories of the executed but never mentions the crimes committed. John's writing draws national attention and the interest of a journalist who wants to do a story about him. As each awaits his final fate under the watchful eye of their female guard, they confront, comfort, and change each other. Inspired by the story of a real-life Texas death row inmate, Coyote on a Fence explores the questions: Can one be redeemed in the final hours of life? Is everyone redeemable even if they aren’t seeking redemption?

Characters (3M/1F)

All roles are available

John Brennan – (M/40s-50s/White) - A middle-aged and well-educated prisoner who feels a sense of denial about his own crime. John edits the “Death Row Advocate” from his prison cell and is a staunch opponent of the death penalty.  His obituaries written for his fellow executed inmates focuses on their dignity and not their crimes.  Based on a real-life inmate in Texas.

Bobby Reyburn (M/20s-30s/White) – An affable character who likes to do impressions. Bobby is a developmentally challenged prisoner who has suffered unspeakable abuse. However, his own crime is the most unspeakable.

Shawna DuChamps – (F/30s-50s/Any race) A prison guard who feels guilt over the deaths of the prisoners and whose own narrative drives the play and keeps the prisoners in check.

Samuel "Sam" Fried – (M/30s-50s/White) A writer for The New York Times who interviews John and informs the story with “outside” information about the inmates

The Story