NOAH, MORDECAI MANUEL. The Fortress of Sorrento: A Petit Historical Drama, in Two Acts

The multi-faceted Mordecai Manuel Noah (1785-1851) of Portuguese Jewish descent, had deep roots in Revolutionary America. His father took an active part in the War of Independence, indeed it is thought that George Washington was present at the wedding of Noah’s parents. Today, Noah is remembered for his utopian dream of establishing a Jewish colony. “Ararat,” on Grand Island, New York (near Niagara Falls). At various times in his long, colorful career, Noah served as playright, newspaper editor, and American Consul to Tunis. At the tender age of twenty-three Noah wrote for an amateur theatrical company this historical drama “Fortress of Sorrento.” During his lifetime Noah enjoyed the reputation as perhaps America’s most popular playwright. See JE, Vol. IX, pp. 323-4