Set in World War II New York City. Ruth and Nat, political activists with passions directed at different causes, become lovers. Ruth, from a working-class immigrant background, has come the city to break free of the expectations of her tradition-bound family and to pursue a life as a musician. Intent on exploring the world through labor politics, through her art, and through relationships, she is deeply committed to supporting the war effort. Nat, from a wealthy industrial Jewish family, is a pacifist and intellectual who sees all wars as capitalist and corrupt. The play follows their interactions with each other and with fellow travelers (labor organizers, conscientious objectors) – and family, as they take their differing journeys through the war years.
SYNOPSIS
War Stories is a play about people who are engaged in the fight for a more just world while they go about living their lives. Idealists in every generation wrestle with choices - both personal and political. In writing this play I wanted to give a nod to those who came before and help us see them in ourselves.
My mother was a labor organizer in the 40’s and my father was a conscientious objector during a popular war. In writing this play, I wanted to better understand the world that shaped them.
BACKGROUND ON THE PLAY
Ruth Abramowicz – early-mid 20s. First generation Jewish east European background. A talented singer-songwriter.
Nat Cohen – early-mid 20s. Jewish Upper middle class NYC. Passionate politically, unpracticed around women.
Myra Abramowicz/Ensemble – mid to late 20s. Ruth’s sister-in-law. Smart, sensible.
Joe Abramowicz/Ensemble – late 20’s. Ruth’s brother. A family man, traditionalist.
Eduardo Pagan/Ensemble – Late 20’s-early 30’s. Columbia faculty. Patrician, a flirt.
Spenser Cox/Ensemble – early to mid 20s. Nat’s friend. A Quaker. African-American.
Murray Gluck/Ensemble – 40s. Ruth’s boss, lover. Charismatic, brash Jewish NYC union man.
Nanny Knight/Ensemble – Middle aged. A southern union organizer. African-American.
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN
The play takes place in several settings that can be conjured without a great deal of set alteration. An outdoor protest, a NYC apartment of the 40’s, a radio studio, the entrance to a conscientious objector work camp, a union hall, Central Park.
The actor who plays Ruth must be a talented singer and guitar player.
ADDITIONAL NEEDS
World premiere at The Tank NYC
Directed by Christina Roussos
Music by Zachary Catron
PRODUCTION HISTORY
Photos by Hunter Canning. Cast: Sophia DeLeo, J. Ryan, Kaya Simmons, Max Katz, Jorge Sánchez Díaz, Lenny Grossman, Maia Karo, & Arlene A. McGruderSophia DeLeo sings “In My Dreams”
Lyrics by Marthe Rachel Gold, Music by Zachary Catron
“‘War Stories' does a fantastic job of showcasing this tumultuous period in labor history.”
– Dylan Rice, The Indypendent
PRESS
Hollywood Soapbox: INTERVIEW: NYC during WWII is setting of new play “War Stories”
BroadwayWorld: The Tank to Present the World Premiere of WAR STORIES
