HW Freedman

HW Freedman

I hold British, American and Italian passports.
My plays, screenplays and book have achieved more than 35 awards internationally.
Theatre: Several of my full-length plays have been produced in the USA (including Off-Broadway), UK (including London and Edinburgh Festival), and Italy in the Italian language (including in Rome, Spoleto, Formello, Teatro Cristallo Bolzano etc)
Selling Off:...
I hold British, American and Italian passports.
My plays, screenplays and book have achieved more than 35 awards internationally.
Theatre: Several of my full-length plays have been produced in the USA (including Off-Broadway), UK (including London and Edinburgh Festival), and Italy in the Italian language (including in Rome, Spoleto, Formello, Teatro Cristallo Bolzano etc)
Selling Off: Off Broadway at John Houseman Theatre, NYC, Directed by Gene Feist;
Ella's Secret (in English): Baron’s Court Theatre, London, UK, July 2015 directed by Edward Davies, and Ethnic Cultural Theatre, Seattle, Washington, USA, Directed by Harris;
Tchaikovsky (in Italian): Teatro Dell'Orologio Sala Orfeo, Roma; Teatro Millelire, Roma; Teatro Cristallo, Bolzano, Italy, productions Directed by Harris;
Ella's Secret (In Italian): Teatro Millelire, Roma, Spoleto La Mama Fringe Festival, e Teatro Dell'Angelo, Rome Italy, directed by Harris
Moscow Shadows: The New End Theatre, Hampstead, London, Directed by Philip Grout;
A Minute of Silence: Upstairs at the Gatehouse, London, Directed by Harris;
Something in Common: Assembly Rooms Theatre, Edinburgh Fringe Festival, and Warehouse Theatre, Croydon, London, both productions Directed by Harris.
Lunch with Sandy: A 10-minute play, The Machine Room Theatre, London, Directed by Emma Benson;
Peanut Butter and Jelly: University of the Streets Theatre, NYC, Directed by Harris;
There Aren't Any: various venues in NYC, Directed by Harris;
The Family Jewels, workshop production, Directed By Gene Crain, Playwrights' Forum, Memphis Tennesee, USA
Radio: There Aren't Any, Rutgers University Radio, New Jersey, USA
Staged readings directed by Harris:
The Thieves Road (in Italian): Teatro Argot Studio, Roma in Italian under the title "L'Ultima Battaglia di Custer".
The Family Jewels: Main stage at Criterion Theatre, Piccadilly Circus (West End);
Tchaikovsky: Tristan Bates Theatre in Covent Gardens, London.
Through A Tunnel Of Silence: Tabard Theatre, London
Whisper of Wings: University Of The Streets, Greenwich Village, NYC

Film: My feature-length Screenplays include; Broken Thread, Produced by Deepak Nayar (At Eternity's Gate; Bend it Like Beckham; Buena Vista Social Club etc.) The fiim was shot in India and the UK.

Member of The Dramatists Guild NYC, Society of Authors UK, English PEN, SIAE Italy.

Awards:
. The Post Office (Screenplay) – Award Winner – Tagore International Film Festival
2023 January
. A Death in Brooklyn – Capital Fund 2023-HOT 100 screenplays
2023
. The Thieves Road (Stage Play) – Official Selection – Best Script Award London 2023
2023
. Southern Justice (Screenplay) – Semi Finalist – 28th Annual “Fade In” Awards 2023
2023
. The Family Jewels (Stage Play) – Second Rounder, Austin Film Festival
2023
. A Death In Brooklyn (Screenplay) – Second Rounder, -Austin Film Festival
2022
. Southern Justice (Screenplay) – Top 10 Finalist -Table Read My Screenplay Summer Contest
2022
. Southern Justice (Screenplay) – Second Rounder – Austin Film Festival
2022
• Selling Off (Screenplay)- Quarter Finalist - Stage 32 True Story, Biopic
(2022)
• The Thieves Road (Stage Play) Second Rounder, Austin Film Festival
(2022)
• Southern Justice (Screenplay) - Quarter Finalist - Emerging Screenwriting Genre
(2022)
• Southern Justice (Screenplay) - Top 10 Finalist -Table Read My Screenplay Summer Contest
(2022)
• Southern Justice (Screenplay) - No.3 of Hot 100 Winners - Capital Fund Screenwriting Competition
(2021)
• Southern Justice (Screenplay) – Quarter Finalist - Stage 32 Screenwriting Contest
(2021)
• A Minute of Silence (Screenplay) Emerging Screenwriters Comedy Screenplay Competition, Quarter Finalist
(2021)
• Moscow Shadows – (Stage Play) Winner of Grant for a Theatre Production in Rome, Italy euros 42,900 ($47,000)
(2019)
• My Name Isn't Judit (Screenplay) Semi-Finalist-Table Read My Screenplay - Austin Film Festival
(2019)
• The Thieves Road (Stage Play) - Honorable Mention - New Works of Merit Playwrighting Contest
(2018)
• The Post Office - (Screenplay) Best Spiritual Screenplay - European Spiritual Film Festival
(2012)
• The Thieves Road - Best Stage Play - Moondance International Film Festival
(2011)
• The Post Office - (Screenplay) Official Selection - Mexico International Film Festival
(2011)
• Southern Justice - (Screenplay) Aloha Accolade Award Winner - Honolulu Film Festival
(2011)
• Southern Justice, - (Screenplay) Special Selection Fifth Place - Canadian International Film
(2010)
• Southern Justice - (Screenplay) Semi-Finalist - RIFF Rhode Island Film Festival Screenplay Competition.
(2010)
• Selling Off - (Screenplay) Finalist- The Ace Fest Great American Screenplay Competition
(2010)
• A Minute of Silence.- (Screenplay) Semi-Finalist - Slamdance Screenplay Competition.
(2010)
• Selling Off - (Screenplay) Honourable Mention - Amsterdam Film Festival.
(2010)
• Something in Common - (Screenplay) Quarter Finalist - Writers Network Screenplay and Fiction
(2010)
• The Post Office – (Screenplay) Semi-Finalist - Kaos Films British Feature Film
(2008)
• The Post Office – (Screenplay) Finalist - London Independent Film Festival Feature Screenplay Award
(2008)
• Southern Justice – (Screenplay) Semi Finalist- Writemovies.com International Writing Contest Feature Screenplay
(2008)
• The Family Jewels (Stage Play) - Semi Finalist - Writemovies.com International Writing Contest
(2008)
• nIrina's Eye – (Novel) Quarter Finalist - Writer’s Network 15th Annual Fiction Unpublished Novels
(2007)
• My Name Isn't Judit – (Screenplay) Finalist - Writemovies.com International Writing Contest Screenplay Award
(2007)
• Selling Off – (Screenplay) Semi Finalist- Writemovies.com International Writing Contest Feature Screenplay Award
(2007)
• Irina's Eye – (Novel) Semi Finalist - William Faulkner Writing Competition for Unpublished Novels
(2006)
• The Post Office – (Screenplay) Quarter Finalist - Slamdance Screenplay Competition
(2006)
• The Family Jewels (Stage Play) - Finalist - Sonoma County Repertory Play Competition
(2002)
• A Minute of SIlence (Stage. Play) - Finalist - New Century Playwright Awards
(2001)
• A Minute of Silence (Stage Play) - Semi Finalist - Julie Harris Award, Beverly Hills Theatre Guild
(1998)

Plays

  • A Death in Brooklyn by HW Freedman
    Cast: 
    6–7
    ·
    Genre: biography, comedy + 4 more
    ·
    Keyword: boy, accepting death + 1 more
    Genre: biography, comedy, docudrama/historic, drama, period, young audiences
    Keyword: boy, accepting death, A Family Drama-Comedy
    Brooklyn, 1960. David, age 12, is suddenly orphaned and he finds himself on a journey to come to terms with the loss of his parents. He rebels against the neurotic aunt and uncle he is forced to live with. He meets a stranger, Mr G, age 80, who changes his life.
  • A Minute of Silence by HW Freedman
    Cast: 
    8
    ·
    Genre: comedy, commedia dell'arte + 8 more
    ·
    Keyword: Deaf and hearing characters integrated in all scenes, see the hearing world from the deaf point of view
    Genre: comedy, commedia dell'arte, drama, experimental, fable/folktale, fantasy, farce, movement/physical, romantic comedy, young audiences
    Keyword: Deaf and hearing characters integrated in all scenes, see the hearing world from the deaf point of view
    Dora is a psychologist. Barry is a university graduate who has chosen to spend his life in the circus making and repairing the performers’ shoes. Barry’s parents cannot accept his choice and employ Dora to rescue him. They do not tell her that Barry is deaf.
    The love story between Barry and Dora, a hearing woman, unfolds through dialogue, physical theatre and sign language. Dora struggles to come to...
    Dora is a psychologist. Barry is a university graduate who has chosen to spend his life in the circus making and repairing the performers’ shoes. Barry’s parents cannot accept his choice and employ Dora to rescue him. They do not tell her that Barry is deaf.
    The love story between Barry and Dora, a hearing woman, unfolds through dialogue, physical theatre and sign language. Dora struggles to come to terms with her own problems whilst under the illusion that it is Barry who needs help. An ensemble of eight actors act out the story, have fun and mock the seriousness of the scenes.

    A Minute of Silence offers the audience a rare glimpse of the world through the eyes of Barry, a deaf man. Barry’s witty and playful approach to life challenges many of the hearing world’s misconceptions about deafness.

    The story is told by an ensemble of eight actors, three of them deaf. A Minute of Silence challenges perceptions of deafness, and offers the audience a rare glimpse of the hearing world from the deaf point of view.

    a few quotes
    “…enchanting A Minute of Silence…a magical, multi-layered piece…a night that was not only entertaining but also saw theatrical technique pushed several notches on.” The Stage

    “Just as things look in danger of getting too serious, we are whirled down yet another avenue throughout what is ultimately a stimulating and hugely entertaining evening.” Disability Times

    See additional quotes in the "Review" section.
  • Ella's Secret by HW Freedman
    Cast: 
    2
    ·
    Genre: docudrama/historic, drama
    ·
    Keyword: Two women, strangers + 5 more
    Genre: docudrama/historic, drama
    Keyword: Two women, strangers, rivalry, holocaust survivor, blurred line between guilt and innocence, morality in complex situations, tension
    London 1980: On a quiet Sunday morning, Ella receives an unexpected visit from Helga, a woman she has never met before. Both their lives have been affected by the same Nazi-SS officer. Helga has a mission, and Ella has a secret.
  • Moscow Shadows by HW Freedman
    Cast: 
    5
    ·
    Genre: comedy, docudrama/historic + 4 more
    ·
    Keyword: Moscow 1989, Jews under Glasnost + 4 more
    Genre: comedy, docudrama/historic, drama, mystery/thriller, political, tragedy
    Keyword: Moscow 1989, Jews under Glasnost, adult women best friends, loyalty, Murder-mystery, self sacrifice
    Moscow 1989, in the atmosphere of perestroika and glasnost. Two Jewish widows of the Soviet system have been close friends for over 40 years. Anna remains an idealist. Natasha is disillusioned and cynical; she is a blackmarketeer, selling ikons for dollars, which is a capital offense for Jews. Their neighbour is murdered and the ensuing police investigation brings unexpected and tragic consequences.
  • Selling Off by HW Freedman
    Cast: 
    10
    ·
    Genre: biography, comedy + 2 more
    ·
    Keyword: downshifting life, escape from rat-race
    Genre: biography, comedy, dark comedy, drama
    Keyword: downshifting life, escape from rat-race
    A day in the life of ALAN COBB. A harried NY accountant, he's finally decided to sell his business and abandon the treadmill. But there's no mercy for Alan and, as this day goes on, life throws ever more at him. Frantically juggling the demands of partner, girlfriend, lawyer, ex-wife, banker, mother, clients and employees, things escalate until he's stabbed, thrown out a window, claws his way...
    A day in the life of ALAN COBB. A harried NY accountant, he's finally decided to sell his business and abandon the treadmill. But there's no mercy for Alan and, as this day goes on, life throws ever more at him. Frantically juggling the demands of partner, girlfriend, lawyer, ex-wife, banker, mother, clients and employees, things escalate until he's stabbed, thrown out a window, claws his way back in - as the chaos continues unabated.
  • Something in Common by HW Freedman
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: drama, romantic comedy
    ·
    Keyword: sexual politics, incest + 3 more
    Genre: drama, romantic comedy
    Keyword: sexual politics, incest, seduction, protect a child, justice.
    When an attractive 28-year-old woman learns about an upcoming marriage she will do anything to prevent it happening, and to obtain the justice she needs to put her terrifying past behind her.


  • Tchaikovsky by HW Freedman
    Cast: 
    6
    ·
    Genre: biography, docudrama/historic + 2 more
    ·
    Keyword: Tchaikovsky, homosexuality + 7 more
    Genre: biography, docudrama/historic, drama, period
    Keyword: Tchaikovsky, homosexuality, fear of prosecution, generosity, loyalty, 19th century Russia, music, ballet, creativity.
    4 actors, plus 2 musicians (pianist and violinist)
    The 4 actors play 9 characters

    “Freedman's pen has met Tchaikovsky and has drawn a sketch of his soul. Not a small undertaking to distill the life of the Russian composer in a 90 minute play, from age 24 training at the conservatory until his death at only 53 years of age, in circumstances still debated.” teatro.persinsala.it
    ...
    4 actors, plus 2 musicians (pianist and violinist)
    The 4 actors play 9 characters

    “Freedman's pen has met Tchaikovsky and has drawn a sketch of his soul. Not a small undertaking to distill the life of the Russian composer in a 90 minute play, from age 24 training at the conservatory until his death at only 53 years of age, in circumstances still debated.” teatro.persinsala.it

    “Tchaikovsky turns to the past...to his homosexuality, an offense at that time, to his marriage of convenience, his friendships, his pain.” Alessandra Greco, teatritaliano.it

    “...an effort, masterfully done, to examine his essence. Profound and delicate.” Alessandra Greco, teatritaliano.it
  • The Family Jewels by HW Freedman
    Cast: 
    3
    ·
    Genre: biography, comedy + 1 more
    ·
    Keyword: adult children with aging father, resentment + 1 more
    Genre: biography, comedy, drama
    Keyword: adult children with aging father, resentment, sibling conflict
    Sam’s behavior has become eccentric since his wife died after 60 years of marriage. His son Stuart finds it increasingly difficult to take care of him, and his daughter Janet, who has been living overseas, comes back to help. As they try to decide Sam's future, a lifetime of bittersweet memories, resentment and sibling rivalry resurface.
  • The Thieves Road by HW Freedman
    Cast: 
    3–4
    ·
    Genre: biography, docudrama/historic + 3 more
    ·
    Keyword: genocide, Sioux + 7 more
    Genre: biography, docudrama/historic, drama, period, political
    Keyword: genocide, Sioux, Cheyenne, Native American rights, Custer, Libby Custer, Sand Creek massacre, little big horn, ghost dance
    Denver Colorado, 1891.
    Armstrong, a rancher, has hired Sarah to be the teacher of his young children. Through their conflict regarding the genocide of Native Americans, we learn Sarah's personal story and true identity, Libby's personal story, and the true story of Custer and his relationship with Cheyenne princess Mo-Nah-Se-Tah.