Witness History

Discover the fascinating origins of the first opera composed for television, Amahl and the Night Visitors. Gian Carlo Menotti faced writer's block and found inspiration from a stunning art piece. The live premiere on Christmas Eve in 1951 became a beloved holiday tradition. Hear about the challenges of staging opera for cameras and the overwhelming public reaction that followed. Dive into Menotti's reflections on the impact of media and watch how a simple story captured the hearts of millions.

In December 1953, Hollywood film stars Stan Laurel and Oliver Hardy spent a few weeks at the Bull Inn, Bottesford, Leicestershire, while they performed a show at the nearby Nottingham Empire.Stan’s sister, Olga Healey, was the landlady.Customers and staff said the duo spent time serving behind the bar, signing autographs and chatting with regulars.This was produced and presented by Rachel Naylor, in collaboration with BBC Archives.Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there.For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more.Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue.We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina’s Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall’ speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler’s List; and Jacques Derrida, France’s ‘rock star’ philosopher.You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world’s oldest languages.(Photo: Oliver Hardy and Stan Laurel. Credit: Getty Images)

Bjørn-Eirik Olsen, a Norwegian market analyst, played a pivotal role in introducing Norwegian salmon to the Japanese sushi market in the late 1980s. He shares his journey, from learning Japanese after watching The Seventh Samurai to understanding Japan's culinary preferences. Discover how he rebranded salmon, overcoming cultural barriers around eating it raw. Through collaborations with chefs and supermarkets, he witnessed salmon's rise in popularity, especially among families, ultimately confirming its acceptance on Ginza menus.

Javed Abidi, a prominent disability rights activist and key figure in India's 1995 Persons with Disabilities Act, shares his inspiring journey. He recounts organizing protests for disability legislation and the struggles faced when returning to an inaccessible India. Javed highlights the shift from charity to rights-based advocacy, the challenges of lobbying Parliament, and the law's transformative impact on education and employment for millions. His reflections underscore ongoing challenges and the vital work still needed for disability rights in India.

Operation Flagship was a U.S Marshals sting operation, where some of Washington DC’s most wanted fugitives, were lured to a convention centre under the pretence of having won coveted NFL tickets in December 1985. Upon their arrival, they were greeted by cheerleaders and mascots – all law enforcement officers in disguise. It led to one of America’s most successful mass arrests with more than 100 people being arrested. Former US Marshal Stacia Hylton was one of the ‘cheerleaders’. She tells Uma Doraiswamy how the plan came together.Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina’s Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall’ speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler’s List; and Jacques Derrida, France’s ‘rock star’ philosopher. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world’s oldest languages.(Photo: Operation Flagship invite sent out to fugitives. Credit: United States Marshals Museum)

Tensions escalate as the world teeters on the edge of nuclear war during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Hosts share riveting personal insights tied to their famous relatives, JFK and Khrushchev. They delve into the high-stakes decisions faced by leaders in October 1962. The conversation touches on a dangerous naval confrontation and the chilling moment when a U-2 spy plane was shot down. Amid the chaos, heartfelt family anecdotes weave a narrative of hope and reconciliation, reminding us of the fragility of peace.

In this insightful discussion, Christiana Figueres, a Costa Rican diplomat and former UN climate chief who orchestrated the Paris climate negotiations, shares fascinating reflections on the historic 2015 talks. She reveals how her childhood encounter with a golden toad ignited her passion for climate advocacy. Figueres also recounts dramatic moments, such as bomb threats and a pivotal wording change that almost derailed the agreement. Her firsthand experiences highlight the complexities of international diplomacy and the urgent need for climate action.

Sisi Khampepe, a former member of South Africa's Truth and Reconciliation Commission and later a constitutional judge, shares her poignant experiences navigating the emotionally charged terrain of post-apartheid justice. She reveals the complexities of balancing truth-telling with the need for forgiveness while detailing harrowing testimonies of tortures that deeply impacted her. Khampepe also highlights the challenges victims faced in accepting amnesty, and reflects on the inspiring leadership of Desmond Tutu in fostering reconciliation.

In 1938, South African museum curator Marjorie Courtenay-Latimer discovered a coelacanth, a fish that was believed to have been extinct for 65 million years. It is thought to be our ancestor and the missing link between how fish evolved into four-legged amphibians. Produced and presented by Rachel Naylor in collaboration with BBC Archives. Eye-witness accounts brought to life by archive. Witness History is for those fascinated by the past. We take you to the events that have shaped our world through the eyes of the people who were there. For nine minutes every day, we take you back in time and all over the world, to examine wars, coups, scientific discoveries, cultural moments and much more. Recent episodes explore everything from the death of Adolf Hitler, the first spacewalk and the making of the movie Jaws, to celebrity tortoise Lonesome George, the Kobe earthquake and the invention of superglue. We look at the lives of some of the most famous leaders, artists, scientists and personalities in history, including: Eva Peron – Argentina’s Evita; President Ronald Reagan and his famous ‘tear down this wall’ speech; Thomas Keneally on why he wrote Schindler’s List; and Jacques Derrida, France’s ‘rock star’ philosopher. You can learn all about fascinating and surprising stories, such as the civil rights swimming protest; the disastrous D-Day rehearsal; and the death of one of the world’s oldest languages.(Photo: A coelacanth. Credit: Hoberman Collection/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Kurtis Young, a former steward at Banksy's Dismaland, shares his firsthand experiences from this unconventional theme park that took over a derelict swimming pool in Weston-super-Mare. He discusses the bizarre installations, like the fire-ravaged castle and a sunken riot police van, and how stewards were trained to act miserable for comedic effect. Kurtis also reveals the surprising demand for tickets, celebrity visits, and the profound economic boost the park provided to the local community. Reflecting on the legacy of Dismaland, he recalls the atmosphere of mystery surrounding Banksy's possible presence.