Speech Acts

Series produced by Joan Schuman

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An exploration of the complexity of language.

A bound and gagged voice asks three questions about the loss of language ("Bound," "Gagged," "Stutter"); the nosy neighbor of Echo and Narcissus offers her opinions in a mock interview ("Echo"); and a couple remembers their first year of marriage when the husband practiced complete silence ("Silence"). True stories sit next to a mock interview and sound metaphors fill the aural space in this richly sonic radio art narrative. Series total length: 27:03. Individual pieces may air alone, especially "Echo" and "Silence," but best broadcast as a full series/piece.

Suggested airplay order is as follows:

1. Bound
2. Echo
3. Gagged
4. Silence
5. Stutter


5 Pieces

Order by: Newest First | Oldest First
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A bound voice asks questions about the disturbing loss of language, along with a whole culture.

  • Added: Jun 25, 2006
  • Length: 02:43
From: Joan Schuman
Series: Speech Acts
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A mock interview with the nosy neighbor of the nymph, Echo.

  • Added: Jun 25, 2006
  • Length: 09:48
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A fictional inquiry by a gagged voice about the dead stories we tell.

  • Added: Jun 25, 2006
  • Length: 01:02
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A bound voice returns to ask questions about the loss of language.

  • Added: Jun 25, 2006
  • Length: 01:12
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A weaving of stories told by a husband and wife whose first year was spent in total silence.

Bought by PRX Remix


  • Added: Jun 25, 2006
  • Length: 12:20
  • Purchases: 1