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Saul Bellow and Finding a Voice

Andrew Marr discusses literature and experience with guests Zachary Leader, Speech DeBelle, Robert Icke and Linda Grant.

On Start the Week Andrew Marr talks to Zachary Leader about the life and work of Saul Bellow, one of America's most famous novelists. Bellow's vivid prose and mix of high and low culture brought 20th century America to life. Linda Grant reflects on his significance for writers today and on the literature of immigration he represents. Aeschylus' play cycle The Oresteia brought to the stage a world the Ancient Greeks understood only too well - family drama and bloody politics. In a new production Robert Icke radically re-imagines the play for a modern audience. The rapper Speech DeBelle looks back at what inspired her to find her voice, and the challenge to retain it.

Producer: Luke Mulhall.

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43 minutes

Last on

Mon 1 Jun 2015 21:30
麻豆社 Radio 4

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Zachary Leader

is Professor of English Literature at the University of Roehampton.

The Life of Saul Bellow: To Fame and Fortune 1915 鈥� 1964 is published by Jonathan Cape.

Linda Grant

is a novelist and journalist.

Speech Debelle

is an award-winning rapper and musician.

Speech Debelle will be taking part in a panel discussion called 鈥楩inding Voices鈥� at the Soho Create聽Festival on Friday 5 June at the Huguenot Church.

Robert Icke

is a theatre director, currently Associate Director at the Almeida Theatre.

Oresteia is on at the Almeida Theatre in London from 29 May - 18 July.

Credits

Presenter Andrew Marr
Interviewed Guest Zachary Leader
Interviewed Guest Speech Debelle
Interviewed Guest Robert Icke
Interviewed Guest Linda Grant
Producer Luke Mulhall

Broadcasts

  • Mon 1 Jun 2015 09:00
    麻豆社 Radio 4
  • Mon 1 Jun 2015 21:30
    麻豆社 Radio 4

Podcast

  • Start the Week

    Weekly discussion programme, setting the cultural agenda every Monday