Lecture Review: “The Fifth Beatle: The Untold Story of the Jew Who Made the Beatles”

Last Monday (February 8th), I had the pleasure of driving 2 hours in the snow to Monmouth University in West Long Branch, NJ for the Jewish Cultural Studies Program called The Fifth Beatle: The Untold Story of the Jew Who Made the Beatles.

The lecture was given by Vivek J. Tiwary –   a Tony Award-winning Broadway producer, and the founder of Tiwary Entertainment Group.  He also just happens to be the author of the graphic novel and  #1 New York Times bestseller – The Fifth Beatle: The Brian Epstein Story.  I’ve attended events in the past where Vivek was appearing with his book, but I’ve never had the opportunity to actually meet or hear him speak.

Well, it turns out Mr. Tiwary can speak very well…and A LOT!  (I don’t know that I’ve ever experienced hearing someone who can digress so far from his original thought and still remember to bring it back around.)  His lecture on Brian Epstein was remarkably informative from the angle of Brian being not only gay, but Jewish in 1960’s Liverpool, England.  He explained such issues as how Brian worked around his ethnicity by joining forces with other Jews in the music industry at the time, such as Sid Bernstein, when the two connected to bring the Beatles to America.

After a 45 minute presentation, came the audience Q&A.  Vivek stepped up again and spent another 45 minutes in an intimate discussion with the audience about Brian, the Beatles and race.  I’m glad I finally made the time and effort to see Vivek J. Tiwary speak and I wouldn’t hesitate to go see him again.  I’d also recommend any Beatles Freak who hasn’t had the pleasure of seeing him speak should find the time if they are presented with the opportunity!  And for that reason…

I give this lecture/Vivek, 4 out of 4 Beatles!

 

 

 

Note: Vivek’s book, The Fifth Beatle: The Brian Epstein Story is being made into a film or possibly a mini series for TV.  Which format would you rather see this film made?