"It Happened Here 2024" A new radio play starring Edie Falco and John Turturro
Oct 2, 2024
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Acclaimed actress Edie Falco, versatile actor John Turturro, and award-winning performer Tony Shalhoub share a sneak peek of their new radio play, inspired by Sinclair Lewis' dystopian vision. The plot revolves around the Weeks family during a politically charged election, showcasing the tension between freedom and societal norms. They explore themes of familial chaos, the impact of differing political opinions, and the unsettling prospect of fascism creeping into everyday life, all while maintaining a mix of dark humor and poignant reflection.
The podcast explores the tension within the Weeks family as political polarities deepen, revealing the challenges of engaging with differing ideologies during contentious times.
Louise Weeks' journey to uncover her family's history emphasizes the impact of personal and political choices on familial relationships amid a backdrop of autocracy.
The narrative serves as a cautionary tale about the fragility of democracy, illustrating how quickly individual freedoms can be compromised in the face of rising authoritarianism.
Deep dives
The Impact of Election Chaos
The family drama unfolds against the backdrop of a contentious election that culminated in chaos. The narrative centers on the Weeks family, split between those supporting the incumbent leader and those resisting his authoritarian tendencies. As the election nears, tensions rise during family gatherings, highlighting the difficulties of navigating political disagreements within a family unit. The sudden and shocking loss of democracy becomes a pivotal moment that reshapes their lives and relationships.
An Unfolding Family Story
Louise Weeks embarks on a journey to uncover her family's history and the secrets that lie within. The podcast depicts her struggle to piece together the fragmented narratives told by her relatives, each holding different perspectives on events that led to their family's disintegration. Through intimate conversations with family members, it becomes clear that the events of 2024 have profound emotional consequences for each individual, shaping their identities and relationships. The complex interplay of familial loyalty, conflicting beliefs, and buried truths drives the narrative forward.
The Burden of Political Engagement
The characters grapple with the consequences of their political choices, and the familial implications of these decisions become apparent. Conversations reveal the strain between members who have differing ideologies, exacerbating existing fractures in relationships. The pressures of current events intensify feelings of guilt, helplessness, and responsibility, particularly for younger family members like David, who feel lost in the turbulence of political discourse. These dynamics illustrate how deeply politics can infiltrate personal lives and shape identity.
The Fragility of Democracy
The unfolding events serve as a cautionary tale about the fragility of democratic principles in the face of rising autocracy. Louise's recordings capture the initial shock and later resignation of her family as they navigate the repercussions of a government that becomes increasingly untrustworthy. The chilling atmosphere generated by the political landscape illustrates how quickly individual liberties can be eroded, leading to a society more concerned with safety than freedom. The echoes of such circumstances resonate through the family's actions and choices as they confront their own complicity and fears.
A Quest for Truth and Understanding
The overarching theme of seeking truth becomes evident as Louise seeks answers from her family amidst chaos. Her quest leads to painful revelations about familial secrets, personal choices, and the impact of political ideologies on personal relationships. The podcast highlights the emotional toll of unearthing hidden truths within the family while also showcasing the significance of understanding diverse perspectives. In a world where facts are contested, the pursuit of honesty and connection remains an essential, though challenging, endeavor for the Weeks family.
And exclusive sneak peek of a brand new radio play starring Edie Falco, John Turturro and Tony Shalhoub. Inspired by Sinclair Lewis’ dystopian novel, It Can’t Happen Here, Richard Dresser’s novel, and now 6-part radio play called It Happened Here 2024, offers a glimpse of what could happen after the 2024 election if fascism creeps into the USA.
The story centers around the Weeks family as they brace for the election. Paul and Ruth’s family work to defeat the so-called Great Leader. Paul’s brother Garret and his family are on the other side. Family get-togethers are tense. When the Great Leader, with a giant boost from the Supreme Court, shockingly wins the quote, “most important election ever,” the family is thrown into chaos.
It Happened Here 2024 describes a country that still has Netflix and free two-day delivery, where the only thing lost is freedom....
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