Germany's Deutschlandfunk Kultur to Air Extended '1001 Nights' Audio Drama

In a remarkable initiative, Deutschlandfunk Kultur is set to broadcast an extensive audio drama adaptation of the classic tales from '1001 Nights' during the night of the time change. This ambitious project will span several hours, starting on the evening of March 29 and concluding in the early hours of March 30, coinciding with the transition to daylight saving time.

The broadcast will begin at 7:05 PM, shortly after sunset, and will continue until 6:55 AM the following morning, right as dawn breaks. The entire series will also be made available as a podcast, catering to a modern audience eager to explore this timeless collection of stories.

Deutschlandfunk Kultur aims to unveil a vast narrative universe with this new adaptation, showcasing strong female characters, treacherous demons, lavish celebrations, traveling merchants, family intrigues, and plots of murder. The network emphasizes that while many people recognize the title, few have actually read the original tales.

The core of the narrative revolves around Scheherazade, a clever young woman who uses her storytelling prowess to save her own life and those of many others in the realm ruled by the brutal King Shahryar, known for executing a new woman each day. By weaving captivating tales night after night, she aims to outsmart the king and ensure her survival.

The audio drama consists of 67 episodes, selected by poet Safiye Can, and includes around eight hours of storytelling. Additionally, the broadcast will feature various discussions with experts on the literary classic, providing context and insights that enrich the listening experience. This unique radio event celebrates the art of oral storytelling and the joy of attentive listening.

The production team, led by acclaimed director Judith Lorentz and featuring actress Roxana Samadi as Scheherazade, has crafted a contemporary version that honors the tradition of intimate storytelling. The dialogue incorporates bilingual elements, with verses and proverbs presented in both German and Arabic, offering a rich auditory experience that reflects the original's essence.

The episodes will be brief, ranging from five to ten minutes, allowing for easy consumption. They will air individually until May 17, scheduled to be broadcast from Monday to Saturday before the 5 PM news on Deutschlandfunk Kultur.