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Maya’s arranging her 40th birthday party when she hears Martin Luther King has been assassinated. Starring Pippa Bennett-Warner.

After Martin Luther King's assassination, it's James Baldwin that helps Maya out of her devastation.

Maya goes on to produce a big television documentary series and then gets a call from a publisher at Random House inviting her to write an autobiography.

She refuses repeatedly, until the publisher calls her bluff.

Narrator, Older Maya ...... Adjoa Andoh
Maya ...... Pippa Bennett-Warner
James Baldwin ...... Don Gilet
Dolly ...... Lisa Davina Phillip
Robert Loomis/Jon ...... Joseph Ayre

Dramatised by Patricia Cumper
Produced and directed by Pauline Harris

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2019.

Available now

14 minutes

Last on

Sat 23 Dec 202303:15
BBC Radio 4 Extra

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See all episodes from Maya Angelou's Autobiographies

Broadcasts

  • Fri 1 Mar 201910:45
    BBC Radio 4
  • Fri 1 Mar 201919:45
    BBC Radio 4
  • Fri 22 Dec 202307:15
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 22 Dec 202312:15
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Fri 22 Dec 202317:15
    BBC Radio 4 Extra
  • Sat 23 Dec 202303:15
    BBC Radio 4 Extra

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10 surprising things you might not know about Maya Angelou

Intriguing facts about her extraordinary life.

14 famous people who have been inspired by Maya Angelou

14 famous people who have been inspired by Maya Angelou

Maya’s life, work and wisdom inspired many people to achieve great things too.

10 incredible Maya Angelou quotes to live your life by

10 incredible Maya Angelou quotes to live your life by

Astonishing words from one of the 20th Century's most iconic writers and poets.

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Dramatisations of Maya Angelou’s autobiographies, plus specially selected archive.