| Magpies is an audio-only CD produced by the CBC as a radio drama. Adapted from Thomas King's short story, Magpies, that appeared in his short story collection, One Good Story, That One, this dramatization stars Cliff Solomon, Ben Cardinal, Marie Clements and Marie Preissl. This production is a dramatization with a full cast, sound effects, and orchestration. Set on an unnamed Plains First Nation, the storyteller explains what happened to Granny when she injures her leg. The leg changes colour and she becomes concerned that she is dying. Her relatives try to assure her that she will be fine. Finally Granny tells her family that she wants a traditional burial. Granny refuses a Christian burial and does not want to be put in a hole. Another relative finds that the traditional burial is totally inappropriate. The story goes back and forth in this manner as the storyteller recounts the arguments. In the background are sounds of magpies. These birds appear at various points during the telling. They act as both audience and chorus to this whimsical tale. This hour-long audio CD is well-acted with strong production qualities. |
