"They Paved Paradise" is a screenplay that takes place around 2008 at the site of the 1969 Woodstock Festival. Dylan is employed in construction, working on heavy equipment during the building of Bethelwoods Performing Arts Center on this property. Unaware of his heritage, (he was born here during the original concet), he meets Nikki, a protester fighting against the "desecration" of this land. They are automatically enemies because of their differing stances, but they are drawn to each other, causing tension and conflict between them. She is persistent in trying to recruit him to their side, an idea that is foreign to him, as he deals with the revelation of his humble beginning. At the same time, we see his Mom and Dad in flashbacks to 1969, and learn about their story and struggles too. This story's theme is based on a line from a Joni Mitchell song, "Don't it always seem to go that you don't know what you've got til it's gone", and is interspersed with music from the Woodstock era. Some people that were actually there are also portrayed in this touching story that is peppered with some true events, while remaining a work of fiction. Please feel free to request an email or hard copy of this screenplay.
Thank you. Joe Barra