JOHN E. BYRD
WRITER-PRODUCER
Mr. Byrd has written several plays that have been produced in New York and Los Angeles, including an Afro-Caribbean musical adaptation of Peter Pan entitled, Forever Mpeta (M-pee-ta), and his play, Poles Apart, on the subject of North Pole explorers Robert E. Peary and his estrangement from his black assistant Matthew Henson.
Inspired by his musical book, Mr. Byrd was commissioned by producer John Williams of Vanguard Films (“Sarafina”,
Seven Years In Tibet, “Shrek”), to write the screenplay Let The Good Times Roll, a musical bio of r& b/rock 'n' roll
pioneer Louis Jordan ("Five Guys Named Moe").
His screenplay, "The Independent" chronicles the career of pioneer black filmmaker Oscar Micheaux. He has also written short stories, and is currently editing a biography of jazz legend, Sam Wooding, Jr.
He attended City College of NY majoring in Film and Communication and has enjoyed a long career as a working actor.
Recent Events: Mr. Byrd had a reading of his play Poles Apart at La Mama E.T.C's Concert Reading on February 26, 2011
He has also written a YA Novel and screenplay Shelby and the Lost Boy of Misbegot Island based
on his musical book Forever Mpeta.
Mr. Byrd and his wife, Ruthann, both divide their time between working in Manhattan and relaxing at their home in upstate New York.
