The Lover and the Fighter
3M, 2W; Full Length; 90-105mins

A promotional image for The Lover and the Fighter, a play by Nashville-based playwright Sam Heyman.

Shortlist, Epiphanies New Works Festival 2023
Finalist, Thinktank TYA Playfest 2025
Semi-Finalist, Del Shores Foundation Writers Search, 2025

THE LOVER AND THE FIGHTER is a nonlinear exploration of memory, adolescent friendship, and the tension between the love we want, the love we have, and the love we deserve. Lee and Shawn are two unlikely best friends whose lives have taken them on wildly different paths: Lee is attending college at a small liberal arts school and Shawn is serving in the United States Army.

With the help of trusted friends and confidants, each young man reckons with the unanswered questions and unresolved feelings related to their last moments together. Can they find a path toward the peace--and truth--they yearn for? Can they claim the love they deserve?

Recommendations for The Lover and the Fighter

Quotation from Lisa Dellagiarino Feriend praising a play's handling of flashbacks, structure, and character portrayal.
Text excerpt discussing a story about two young men's friendship, their experiences during separation after high school, and characters in a play.
Text excerpt about the play "The Lover and The Fighter" by Sam Heyman. It describes the play as a LGBTQ romantic drama highlighting a passionate love story and the impact of love and relationships.

Interested in learning more?

Read Sample of Script
Read Full Script on NPX