Chess, Romance and Kathmandu - Maurice Ashley

Photo by Braden Moran

Chess, Romance and Kathmandu

A special live edition of The Moth on Martha’s Vineyard, hosted by Jenny Allen with additional hosting by Jay Allison. The first African American Grandmaster details his unorthodox education and the private chess match that defines him; a socialite trying to escape an unhappy marriage accidentally crashes the coronation of the king of Nepal, and an octogenarian makes a romantic connection with a man she worked with over a half a century before. The Moth Radio Hour is produced by The Moth and Jay Allison of Atlantic Public Media.

Maurice Ashley describes his development as a chess player under the tutelage of The Black Bear School of Chess.

Bokara Legendre attends the coronation of a Nepalese king in Kathmandu.

Cynthia Riggs is in her golden years when she reconnects with a coworker from her youth and a romance blooms.

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Stories in this Episode

12:57
Slaying King George

by Maurice Ashley

Maurice describes his development as a chess player under the tutelage of The Black Bear School of Chess.

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14:03
Crashing the Coronation

by Bokara Legendre

A socialite trying to escape an unhappy marriage accidentally crashes the coronation of the king of Nepal. 

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16:04
The Case of the Curious Codes

by Cynthia Riggs

A woman reconnects with a man she hasn't seen in over fifty years.

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Extras From This Episode

Chess, Romance and Kathmandu extras

Maurice Ashley

MRH1306 Maurice Ashley Extra 1

Maurice working with the junior high school chess team, the Raging Rooks, who won the National Championships in 1991. Photo by Charu Robinson.

MRH1306 Maurice Ashley Extra 2

Maurice playing blitz chess in 2001 with the Brothers at the Oxford Chess Club in Brooklyn. Photo by Daaim Shabazz.

Cynthia Riggs

MRH1306 Cynthia Riggs Extra 1

Howie’s first package. The archival plastic contains Cynthia’s paper towel notes to Howie and his new message in code.

MRH1306 Cynthia Riggs Extra 2

The first paper towel note from Cynthia to Howie – April 1950.

MRH1306 Cynthia Riggs Extra 3

Cynthia and Dr. Howard Attebery meet after more than half a century.

MRH1306 Cynthia Riggs Extra 4

Cynthia’s wedding dress.

The music in this story