2. Mutants

Genetic mutation has devastated the world.

David Strorm is one of a group of young people who can communicate by transferring thought-shapes.

In God fearing, law abiding Waknuk, David and his friends would be classed as Mutants.

Will David be forced to flee to the Fringes, the lawless territory inhabited by mutants or risk discovery?

John Wyndham's post-apocalyptic sci-fi classic.

Written in 1955, it explores the dangers inherent in discrimination and the threats posed by religious fundamentalism.

The 'Old People' who caused the apocalypse are depressingly like us: ' They were shut off by different languages and different beliefs. They created vast problems then buried their heads in the sands of idle faith.'

The children of the future (the Chrysalids) are able to 'think-together' and so can rise above the selfish violence and conflicting religions of the past.

Wyndham's story of a group of persecuted teenagers is more timely than ever in our post-Fukushima, war-riven, genetically engineered and religiously divided world.

Dramatised in two parts by Jane Rogers.

David ...... Matthew Beard
Rosalind ...... Verity-May Henry
Petra ...... Sydney Wade
Michael ...... Henry Devas
Fringe dweller ...... Henry Devas
Sophie ...... Carla Henry
Sally ...... Carla Henry
Rachel ...... Emma Cunniffe
Zealander ...... Emma Cunniffe
Gordon ...... Conrad Nelson

Director: Nadia Molinari

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in July 2012.