Imagining Alternative Futures Through Literature

Raised in Mā’ohi Nui (French Polynesia), Dr. Anaïs Maurer is assistant professor of literature at Rutgers University and author of The Ocean on Fire. Her research and writing, including this book, have explored the intersection of the legacy of colonial powers' massive nuclear detonations in Oceania, critical threats from climate change, and the stories the people of Oceania tell about it all.

David Priess chatted with Maurer about her experience growing up in Oceania, the scope of the nuclear detonations in the region, how the people of Oceania have addressed radiation effects through stories, why cultural resilience has remained a greater theme than individualism or victimhood, how these narratives inform our current era of climate change, and more.

Works mentioned in this episode:

The book The Ocean on Fire by Anaïs Maurer

The book Quand le cannibale ricane by Paul Tavo

The short story "Eden" in the collection Vai: La Rivière au ciel sans nuages by Ra'i Chaze

The book The Whale Rider by Witi Ihimaera

The visual art French Apocalypse Now by Cronos

The Coconut poetry series by Teresa Teaiwa

The book Pensées insolentes et inutiles by Chantal Spitz

Chatter is a production of Lawfare and Goat Rodeo. This episode was produced and edited by Cara Shillenn of Goat Rodeo. Podcast theme by David Priess, featuring music created using Groovepad.

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