Meditations on two of the most powerful forces in our lives, and the ways they intersect. We've got a new radio play from the Naked Angels Theater Company that explores conflict in the bedroom, and conversations with four veterans who served in the same battalion together during the Persian Gulf War. Plus songs of love and faith by Ethiopian pop music superstar Gigi.
Speed Sonnets
What's the next big thing? Well, according to David Kessler, small mammal keeper at the National Zoo, it's speed sonnets. So we're giving him 45 minutes to come up with one of his own. On your marks, get set...
Flying Pumpkins
Every year in Millsboro, Delaware, on the first Saturday after Halloween, a fierce competition gets underway, involving powerful instruments of propulsion and... some very hearty produce. Contributor Matt Power investigates this unusual ritual. Produced by Emily Botein. For the visuals, click here.
Subway Scenario
Now that more and more New York City subways are equipped with automated announcements, some passengers bemoan the absence of the real flesh and blood conductor's voice. But maybe those automated voices have more personality than we give them credit for... This theatrical installment from the Department of Transportation was written by Steve O'Donnell, and features Miki Yamashita and Ralph Martin. Produced by Curtis Fox.
Conversations about the Last War
As the country attempts to wrap its head around a new war in Iraq, four veterans speak with Dean Olsher about the last one. Neal Creighton, Greg Downey, Alex Vernon and Rob Holmes were all lieutenants in the same tank battalion of the 24th Infantry Division during the Persian Gulf War. They wrote The Eyes of Orion: Five Tank Lieutenants in the Persian Gulf War. Produced by Michael Kavanagh.
Katie and Frank
We move from the foreign battlefield to the domestic, with a new radio play that unfolds in the bedroom of a husband and wife who have yet to master the art of conflict resolution. "Katie and Frank" was written by Theresa Rebeck, and features Naked Angels Theater Company members Rob Morrow and Jodie Markell. Produced and directed by Brian Smith, with original music by Ohad Talmor and sound design by John Colucci.
More on Katie and Frank.
Time's Up
Forty-five minutes later, David Kessler is back to read us his speed sonnet, written in 45 minutes, and dutifully incorporating the terms required by host Dean Olsher: "polyamory," "gunboat" and "Star Trek."
Pop Music Ethiopian-Style
Ethiopian pop star Gigi has taken her continent by storm. She visits our studio with a stack of CD's in hand, to walk host Dean Olsher through her musical influences, from Christian Orthodox church music to American jazz. Playlist: "Sew Argen" (Gigi, Palm Pictures, 2001); "Chant Liturgique en Ezel" (Ethiopia¸ Air Mail Music); "Abatatchen Hoy (Pater Noster)" (Ethiopiques 11: Alèmu Aga, Buda Musique, 2002); and "Tezeta - Mahmoud Ahmed" (Ethiopiques 10: Tezeta, Buda Musique, 2002). Produced by Amanda Aronczyk.
WNYC archives id: 29811