New play resurrects ghost of Isaac Babel

Arrested in 1939 and executed in 1940, playwright Isaac Babel’s work was suppressed for decades. But this year, Joseph Sherman and Simon Starr are resurrecting him.

“Babel has fascinated me for years both because of the contradictions within himself and those of his life story,” Sherman told The AJN. “I am inspired by his love and mastery of language of the short story form together with his irrepressible instinct for freedom of expression despite the mortal danger that he faced and paid the ultimate price for. His story and his work in the context of murderous Stalinist repression is unfortunately instructive in today’s world.”

Starr said he was transfixed by Babel the moment he read some of his work. In fact, Starr’s band YID! recorded an album shortly after, ZETS! which Starr explained is a soundtrack to Babel’s beloved Odessa.

Sherman and Starr have been friends for years and both thought a collaboration would be a great thing to do. So, All is Good… In the Glow of Moonlight was born.

“We have known each other for a long time, and always enjoyed each other’s company, so I jumped at the opportunity,” Starr explained. “I couldn’t say no to more Babel.”