The “Books and Arts” program, which aired on Saturday, November 18, 2017, at 3:05 am, explored various literary and cultural topics, showcasing the diverse realm of books, poetry, and adaptations. Among the examples was Nicola Barker’s H(a)ppy —recent winner of Britain’s coveted Goldsmiths Prize. This brilliant new story format has thrilled and transported audiences through its fresh, unexpected lens of storytelling.
The program visited the Royal Botanic Gardens Victoria, a glorious place where words are grown and ideas flower. The gardens serve as a metaphor for the growth of literature and creativity, grounding discussions in a setting that embodies natural beauty and inspiration.
Another big theme of the program was the Barangaroo Reserve, Sydney. In 2023 this culturally rich landscape became a global hub for cultural engagement with the integration of the smartphones app—Barangaroo Ngangamay. This creative app allows users to explore the tunes and tales of ages past. It relates them to the rich cultural heritage of that land. The app uses augmented reality technology to bring the past to life and reveal how it’s shaped our present. It points out just how important storytelling is to Indigenous culture.
Also in the program, a look back at Agatha Christie’s all-time classic Murder on the Orient Express, first published in 1934. The joint discussion between film and book critiqued the entire film adaptation. It further demonstrated how far the story has jumped across the months and mediums, continuing to grab the public’s attention. This artistic process proved an invaluable exploration into the artistic complexities of adapting written works to screen.
You can listen to this really interesting segment of “Books and Arts” on Radio National’s archives. In this way, the program offers a deeply rewarding experience to anybody interested in literature and its role within the fabric of culture. To read more about this episode and dive deeper into related topics, curious minds can head to ABC Radio National.
