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Overview
Synopsis
Eric Bogosian is known for his monologues that explore the lowest depths of humanity, and his high-octane Talk Radio falls in line with that style. Compelling as a piece of theatre and stinging as a piece of social commentary, the one-act play offers a tour-de-force role for a leading actor in the role of Barry Champlain, a profane shock jock in the vein of Howard Stern. The play was loosely inspired by the murder of radio host Alan Berg, known for his staunch atheism and confrontational interview style. Though in some ways the play may feel dated, in others it is as relevant as ever as Bogosian paints a compelling and at times devastatingly familiar portrait of America’s cultural ills.
Show Information
- Book
- Eric Bogosian
- Category
- Play
- Age Guidance
- Mature Audiences (M)
- Number of Acts
- 1
- First Produced
- 1987
- Genres
- Drama
- Settings
- Contemporary, Unit/Single Set
- Time & Place
- A radio station studio in Cleveland. Spring 1987.
- Cast Size
- medium
- Orchestra Size
- None
- Dancing
- None
- Licensor
- Concord Theatricals
- Ideal For
- Ensemble Cast, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Mostly Male Cast, Includes Adult, Late Teen, Mature Adult, Elderly Characters, Medium Cast
Context
Plot
Characters
| Name | Part Size | Gender | Vocal Part |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Lead |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Supporting |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Silent |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Male |
Silent |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Non-singer |
|
|
Featured |
Female |
Silent |
|
|
Featured |
Either Gender |
Non-singer |
Songs
A song with an asterisk (*) before the title indicates a dance number; a character listed in a song with an asterisk (*) by the character's name indicates that the character exclusively serves as a dancer in this song, which is sung by other characters.
Monologues
Scenes
Key Terms
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Videos
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Quizzes
Themes, Symbols & Motifs
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Quote Analysis
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Guide Written By:
Kevan Dunkelberg
Oklahoma-based drama teacher, actor and playwright