This volume combines two (unrelated) one-act plays by Herbert Wolff. Written for four actors, they are suitable for staged reading or full performance; each runs less than a half hour.
"Fourth Chair," in three scenes, focuses on Saul, a senior member of a major U.S. orchestra. Over the years he has advanced to and enjoyed the position of Associate Concert Master, sitting on stage in the second chair of the violin section. On this day, he has been informed he’s being moved to the fourth chair…a row back…with the title of Assistant Concert Master. The current third chair (and Associate) is moving to Saul’s post, and the other Associate position is being filled by a young woman who recently joined the orchestra. How does Saul deal with this change – this demotion? His skill has not diminished with age, but he must accept what has happened; he’s too old to change orchestras, and not ready to retire. The resolution comes through Saul interacting with his wife, the young female violinist, and the orchestra’s Concert Master.
"Basic Training" explores change at Grayson Home for Boys, where the courts and social workers send boys who are deemed "at risk." A young, idealistic teacher has been hired to replace a long-term retired Army colonel as head of the institution. At their first meeting, the two quickly discover they have generational differences and opposite approaches as to how the boys will overcome societal obstacles after leaving Grayson. The case includes the older superintendent, his secretary, a middle-aged woman, and the young teacher.
