Egon Wellesz – Cello Sonata – Opus 31
Brief 20 – Due 21/02 at 09:59:59am GMT
The British Broadcasting Corporation in association with The Literal Challenge’s 28 Plays Later presents:
WRITING FOR AUDIENCES
(Full disclaimer: The BBC has no awareness of this association nor any intention for this association)
So this week is all about the magnificent BBC Radio, with a particular eye on writing for audiences.
Today you will have a choice between BBC Radio 3 and BBC Radio 4
BBC Radio 3 – Best known for its classical content, which constitutes about 85% of its scheduling, this station also plays jazz, world music, new music, arts programmes and even has a weekly slot for drama. Most famously worldwide, this station is the home to the Proms and it broadcasts more live music than any other network.
BBC Radio 4 – Dubbed by some as a station for the “middle-class, liberal elite”, this is an all-speech station that discusses and presents topics ranging from current events, art, comedy, entertainment, religion, philosophy and almost anything, really. It is also the home to many playwrights, as it presents a substantial amount of new drama.
For bonus points – and seeing as both stations’ demographics are fairly similar, perhaps try to bridge some gaps. Create a piece of populist theatre that still takes its inspiration from these slightly more “high-brow” stations. Can we create a piece to bring together Radio 4 Listeners and Daily Mail readers? Can we bring together Radio 3 listeners and One Directioners (they’re still a thing, right?)
*** For the sake of clarification, again – yes, this is a challenge about radio – but you still need to write a play for the stage and not for the radio.