The Book of Joel WGAE1230381
This is a story about survival under the harshest of circumstances told with some humor and heart. The mini-series follows Joel Levy from a boy in New Orleans during the Jazz Age to manhood during the radical 1930’s in New York City. As a boy, Joel is raised by a black woman in a black neighborhood while his mother works as a caterer for fancy hotels and brothels in Vieux Carre. His father is a heavy drinker who organizes for the Wobblies. The family has to leave after a violent strike.
They settle in the lower east side of New York City. At the age of 12, Joel is abandoned by both of his parents in the midst of the Depression. They were the only family that he had. The rest of this story explores Joel’s resourcefulness as he comes of age during the labor movement in the garment district and discovers his cultural roots. He must also choose between two women who represent two paths America might take at that time. The story reflects a time in our history that was harder than now, a time when people chose to pull together.
The script, based on a family member, has been thoroughly researched, especially with the help of the ILGWU library at Cornell University.
Excerpt Review from Blacklist For Writers:
THE BOOK OF JOEL is an epic historical drama of grand scope filled with factual truths and rich period detail. It’s a tactile tale of the formation of a young man set against the backdrop of America’s own formation. The writing is sharp and novelistic, rendered with clarity and evocative prose. The dialogue is both rhythmic and grounded, keeping a viable staccato that flows. The diverse angling of the script from distinct POVs is sharp; realized with thoughtful empathetic care. From Joel’s difficult childhood to Jake’s layered masculinity and substance abuse to Tillie’s thoughtfully complex femininity and POC existence in an unjust era to the layers of Hannah and Laurie. These are all smart, angry, flawed, yet easy-to-inhabit people who make each scene shine with depth. The scene where Joel is attacked by bullies in the school bathroom, his abuse is revealed to his peers, and they all find kinship in it, is a truly indelible moment. This is classical writing the likes of THE GODFATHER; eloquent and big. Joel’s complex existence builds a rich mythology around him, the story of a man from seed. The summer vignette at Mr. Closson’s farm is another remarkable sequence that conveys all that nostalgia should be without a forced hand. It’s the halcyon period that gives the script a much-needed respite from sheer survival.
Kathmandu, a feature length screenplay adapted from the one person play commissioned by F.Murray Abraham.
Vincent Cercare has turned the corner on fifty. He’s been thinking about running away from his routine and his family. On the night before he’s ready to take off, his son is arrested for possession of cocaine. The story unfolds in the course of a very long night, when Vince tries to come to terms with his son, his relationship with his own father, and his marriage. Part comedy, part drama, KATHMANDU is about a guy trying to understand who he is at a critical juncture in his life. A video excerpt is available on Vimeo (contact the author for the password).
Robert Siegel, Playwright 