Billy
budd
(based on the writings of herman Melville)
By Steve A. Rowell
The first reading of “Billy Budd”, an adaptation of the novel by Herman Melville was held at Wollsen Hall on the campus of Rollins University in Orlando, Sunday January 12, 2003. It was the first reading of the new work by Steve A.Rowell. A spirited discussion followed and the group came up with several helpful insights that were meant to help the author shape the work.
The play mixes the nautical theme of Melville’s sailing world with the
cut-throat world of corporate
finance. 
The
group was impressed with the way the play created and maintained this alternate
reality. Some of the readers were
concerned over Rowell’s use of homosexuality as a motivational factor for the
character of John Claggart.
The author walked away from the reading with several critical revisions in mind and should have a workable rewrite in a few weeks.
The monthly exercise is one of the many ways the Playwright’s Roundtable of Orlando, Florida is furthering the careers of local playwrights.