The Power of Story

~ Becky Ross Michael

I woke up too early this morning but felt good. For a few moments, everything seemed okay in my world. But then I remembered. The election here in the U.S. is hovering close by, along with everything that implies. Feelings of helplessness surrounded me. I already voted and reminded those close to me about voting. I’ve written letters for “Vote Forward” to reach Democratic-leaning voters who have not cast ballots in a while. I stay informed and busy. And yet, I feel anxious, unbelieving, and almost sick. So, I asked myself again this morning, “What can I do?“

While looking for answers, I found information about the six-part radio play pictured above. I listened to an interview with two of the actors and the writer on KQED Forum NPR. Calls from listeners were also welcomed. This was the description of the discussion:

“What happens if fascism takes root in the United States? Actors Edie Falco and Tony Shalhoub have teamed up to voice a new radio play called “It Happened Here 2024.” The play, adapted by Richard Dresser from his own novel, imagines an authoritarian country in 2039 where elections are a thing of the past and the rule of law has collapsed. We’ll talk to the actors and the playwright about the connections they see between their “audio documentary from the future” and the current political climate.

Guests:

Edie Falco, actor, known for her roles on “The Sopranos” and “Nurse Jackie”

Tony Shalhoub, actor, known for his roles on “Monk” and “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel”

Richard Dresser, playwright, screenwriter and novelist, His new radio play is “It Happened Here 2024”

Here is the link to the interview. It was interesting and enlightening. I’ve now begun listening to the radio podcast. I see this is available on various platforms, and I’m listening here.

Some listeners have said the story reminds them of our shared humanity and evokes feelings of forgiveness and hope. Just listening to the interview mentioned above reminded me that we aren’t alone in our feelings about the election and everything connected to that. I’m already drawn in by the play, which is so well done.

Pulitzer Prize winner Richard Powers said, “The best arguments in the world won’t change a single person’s mind. The only thing that can do that is a good story.” Consider giving the interview and/or the radio play a listen, especially if you are undecided and have yet to vote!

Take care of yourselves during these trying times,

Becky

27 thoughts on “The Power of Story”

  7. Hi Becky. Not surprised to hear about your anxiety, but still sorry for that. They’ve put us in a horrible position and so many people feel pulled in multiple directions. I’m glad that play/podcast is bringing you some relief, though.

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  9. The power of story indeed. I love radio drama. We are just as nervous ( terrified ) about your election. No country should hold the world in fear, but of course there are too many ‘Big’ countries at present with the wrong leadership that are trampling their neighbours.

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  12. I live in a red state and know way too many people whose minds cannot be changed. This state is going purple. They voted in a democratic governor. 🙂 I spend all my energy focusing on the good because that’s what I plan to see. I told my daughter to be very careful of her drive back and forth to work this week. It will be contentious but the good will prevail. It must. The results won’t be clear for a while but in the end, I’m giving everything I have to live in a world that doesn’t abide with dictatorship.

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