Metropolis

**** This programme was suggested by Walter Shultz as part of BBC Radio 4 Extra’s All Request Weekend in 2023 ****

Freder is an underworked "captain" in a high level position in the futuristic consumer society of the mega-city named Metropolis.

Feeling suicidal, but unable to understand why, Freder switches identities with a low level "product insertion" - a kind of telemarketing.

Failing at that, Freder soon finds himself working for Maria, an imperfect beauty with all the answers. Maria plunges Freder into the depths of her underground conspiracy to disrupt the workings of society.

Thea von Harbou's 1925 novel became husband Fritz Lang's 1927 silent movie classic.

Its terrifying vision of the future was born in an age of booming heavy industry.

Peter Straughan's new version finds its hero, caught up in a nightmarish world all too recognisably drawn from the one we find ourselves in today.

Freddy ....... Edward Hogg
Maria ....... Tracy Wiles
Josaphat ....... Damian Lynch
Schmale ....... Peter Marinker

With:

Kim Wall
Elizabeth Bell
Anthony Glennon
Liz Sutherland
Jacqueline Cloake
Thomas Wheatley

Director: Toby Swift

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in March 2006.

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