I have been aware of Spring Awakening for a number of years now. I knew it was to do with young people, teenagers – long before the term ‘teenager’ was used in regular parlance to describe a person in their adolescence. That mysterious and perplexing period of one’s life where the evolution of one’s sexual maturity is in action. So, I was aware that it in some way was a story about the teenage experience. I was also aware that it had a German background. I vaguely knew it was controversial, but didn’t know the full extent of the controversies surrounding it. I was also vaguely aware that it was shocking for its time but again wasn’t knowing of the exact reasons why.
What I really didn’t know was one: That is was a play – although I was aware it had been performed as a play in theatres around the world during my lifetime. Two: I didn’t know it was written so long ago – 1891!
When I saw that a new adaptation was made for Radio 4, I was keen to give it a listen, as I do like a radio drama and some of the best BBC adaptations to novels and plays I’ve encountered have been ones produced for radio.
I went into listening to Part 1 of Spring Awakening with very little knowledge of its plot and story arc. By the end of listening to Part 1, I was beyond eager to hear Part 2. It seemed a loooong wait – but wow! Part 2 was …. breathtaking – and definitely worth the wait!
I provide the caveat that it is NOT always easy listening. It does confront some very harrowing issues – namely suicide and sexual abuse (without wanting to give any spoilers for those who, like me, are -were – not aware of the details of the play’s plot). But whilst providing this caveat – I would implore you to listen to it.
It was one of the most beautiful BBC radio adaptations I have listened to, particularly in the past few years. It honestly took my breath away.
Again, without wanting to give away any spoilers, the fact that this play was written in 1891 is incredible! I don’t know how much of this new adaptation has been brought into modern focus through altering the script – from what I see of the original play’s plot summary on Wikipedia – the radio version by Theo Toksvig-Stewart has had some alterations. There are aspects of the original that seem even darker than the new radio adaptation – given it was 1906 when first performed in the theatre, that’s quite incredible.
Anyway, I just wanted to post about it here and share something that I feel is worthy of the time it will take in listening to it. This radio adaptation will live with me for a long time to come. I see it as something that I will return to listening to in the future – much like a favourite book that you know you’ll return to again for the love and the joy of experiencing it once more.
Do give it a listen, especially if radio drama is your thing. You’ll love it!
You can listen to Part 1 of Spring Awakening by clicking HERE
