Episode 3

Written by Chris Fallon.
Based on an original idea by Rosalynd Ward and Chris Fallon.

Set in modern day Naples - vibrant, picaresque, and for some, terrifying - where the Camorra has its hands in virtually every enterprise, from prostitution and drug running, to rubbish collection, and street vendors - "Le Donne" ("The Women") focuses on Caterina Riccardi, a beautiful, privileged wife and mother who has - until now - lived in wilful ignorance of her husband's criminal business dealings, and the source of her material wealth.

Caterina, who has managed to reach the age of forty three in relative innocence, adhering to the philosophy of "see no evil, hear no evil", must come to grips with the dark and violent world of the Camorra, and bring her understanding and will to bear on it - or see herself and her family destroyed.

She must quickly awaken from her wilful slumber, learn to exert her power in a predatory and dangerous milieu, and is then forced to make a terrible moral choice.

3/5. Set in contemporary Naples. Caterina's son Nino starts to go off the rails. She discovers a terrible truth about her husband Franco, who is still in prison.

Chris Fallon is a writer and director. This is his first original radio drama. He has previously written for film and television as well as writing adaptations for radio. He has sold and optioned scripts to Paramount and Warner Bros. His short film "Killing Joe" was nominated for an Academy Award.

Cast includes Indira Varma, Anton Lesser and Haydn Gwynne.

Original music composed and performed by Simon Russell.

Produced by Rosalynd Ward
A Sweet Talk production for BBC Radio 4.