Moscow Shadows (Screenplay)

Screenplay by H.W. Freedman ©Copyright 1989 & 2021 by the Author

Moscow in 1989.  Two widows of the Soviet system have been close friends and neighbours for more than 40 years.  Anna remains an idealist and Natasha is a blackmarketeer, selling ikons for dollars, which is a capital offence. Their neighbour is murdered and the ensuing police investigation brings unexpected and tragic consequences.

GenreComedy, Tragedy
Cast Breakdown3 women, 2 ages late 60s, 1 age 30. 3 men, 1 age 35, 1 age 19, 1 age 50
Time1989
LocationMoscow, Russia

Based on the stage play by the same author.

What the Critics said about the London Stage Premiere:

“…behind the powdery rubble of the Berlin Wall is the infinitely bleaker edifice of East European anti-semitism…Harris Freedman addresses this in his new play, Moscow Shadows, but he does so by means of a drawing-room comedy that…goes for (and gets) the laugh to be found in a fond portrayal of Jewish matriarchy. The Independent, London

“…moves stylishly from politics, to drawing-room drama, to whoops-no-sex-I’m-a-Red farce, to whodunnit….”  City Limits, London.

“The play’s observations could not be more politically apposite…”  Independent

“…Moscow Shadows is a rich mix, combining the loss of innocence, the all-pervading atmosphere of insecurity…the thrills and skills of black-marketeering, and a detective story.” Jewish Chronicle, London.

“…two gutsy Jewish widows…fine performances…”  Time Out, London.

“…The ‘visa speech,’…is surely going to be a classic.”  Jewish Chronicle, London.

“…a play rich with humour as well as pathos,.”  What’s On In London

“…multi-faceted drama, highlighting inherent fascism in Russia…”  City Limits, London

“…effective comedy…”  Ham & High, Hampstead, London.

“…a play to provoke heartfelt debate…”  Ham & High, Hampstead, London.

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