Enter the macabre mind of gothic literature master, Edgar Allan Poe, as we bring thirteen classic tales to life with voice actors, sound effects and music. This production — conceived from the brilliant minds of Olivia French and Alexandra Meerbach — features the voices of Australian actors, and is proudly supported by the Ballarat Arts Foundation. RavenMad’s adaptation aims to grant listeners access to Poe’s arabesque world and ignite a passion for the sinister and sublime genre of gothic literature.
Desperate to prove their sanity, an unnamed Narrator recounts the events which drove them to commit an unspeakable act. Thank you for joining us for an episode of RavenMad, a Cygnet & Swan production. ‘The Tell-Tale Heart’ was originally written by Edgar Allan Poe. This adaptation was directed by Alexandra Meerbach with sound design by Marli van der Bijl, music by Matt Shaw and script adaptations by Alexandra Meerbach. This episode is narrated by Olivia French and features the voice of B...
14 Jul 2023
The Fall of the House of Usher (Part Two)
Despite his friend’s best endeavours, Roderick’s melancholy persists and his sister's malady seemingly has fatal consequences. Can the Usher family survive their supposed curse? CREATIVE TEAM Director . . . Olivia French Sound Editor . . . Jacob Thompson Script Adaptation . . . Olivia French and Alexandra Meerbach CAST Narrator . . . Jack Emond Roderick Usher . . . Jagaraj Madeline Usher . . . Marli van der Bijl Physician . . . Barry Kay 'The Haunted Palace' vocal line by Matt Shaw and sun...
14 Jul 2023
The Fall of the House of Usher (Part Three)
The Lady Madeline is lost and her brother’s condition worsens still. Can he escape the affliction plaguing his family or will his own actions be his undoing? CREATIVE TEAM Director . . . Olivia French Sound Editor . . . Jacob Thompson Script Adaptation . . . Olivia French and Alexandra Meerbach CAST Narrator . . . Jack Emond Roderick Usher . . . Jagaraj Madeline Usher . . . Marli van der Bijl RavenMad is proudly supported by the Ballarat Arts Foundation as the grateful recipient of the 202...
14 Jul 2023
The Fall of the House of Usher (Part One)
Having received an urgent letter from his boyhood friend, a man travels to be at his side… only to discover his friend is much changed. And his sister is afflicted with an even more debilitating condition. CREATIVE TEAM Director . . . Olivia French Sound Editor . . . Jacob Thompson Script Adaptation . . . Olivia French and Alexandra Meerbach CAST Narrator . . . Jack Emond Roderick Usher . . . Jagaraj Madeline Usher . . . Marli van der Bijl Physician . . . Barry Kay Valet . . . James Wait Se...
10 Jul 2023
The Pit and the Pendulum (Part Two)
A prisoner trapped in the depths of Toledo, sentenced by the Spanish Inquisition. Will he survive their torture, or perhaps he will succumb to despair first? Thank you for joining us for an episode of RavenMad, a Cygnet & Swan production. CREATIVE TEAM Director . . . Olivia French Assistant Director . . . Alexandra Meerbach Sound Editor . . . Elizabeth Bradford Musical Director . . . Marli van der Bijl Composer . . . Marais van den Berg Choir . . . Sam Daffy, David Floyd, Jeremy W...
4 Jul 2023
The Pit and the Pendulum (Part One)
An account of the soporific and excruciating torments endured by a prisoner of the Spanish Inquisition. CAST Narrator . . . Andrew Seeary Judges . . . Jack Emond, Barry Kay and James Wait Choir . . . Sam Daffy, David Floyd, Jeremy Wong and Marli van der Bijl CREATIVE TEAM Director . . . Olivia French Assistant Director . . . Alexandra Meerbach Sound Editor . . . Elizabeth Bradford Musical Director . . . Marli van der Bijl Composer . . . Marais van den Berg Atmospheric Music . . . yewb...
6 Dec 2022
Alone
The experience of perceiving life and emotions differently to others often results in feelings of loneliness and isolation. Thank you for joining us for an episode of RavenMad, a Cygnet & Swan production. ‘Alone’ was originally written by Edgar Allan Poe. This adaptation was directed and edited by Elizabeth Bradford. This episode is narrated by Alexandra Meerbach. RavenMad is proudly supported by the Ballarat Arts Foundation as the grateful recipient of the 2021 Jack Anderson Film...
23 Nov 2022
A Dream within a Dream
Drift off into delirium and hope, against hope, that you wake. This poem laments tragic loss and grapples with the relentless passing of time. Thank you for joining us for an episode of RavenMad, a Cygnet & Swan production. ‘A Dream within a Dream’ was originally written by Edgar Allan Poe. This adaptation was directed by Alexandra Meerbach with sound design by Elizabeth Bradford and music by Marli van der Bijl. This episode features the voice of Marli van der Bijl. RavenMad is proudly ...
9 Nov 2022
More Ravin' and Ramblin'
Creative directors Olivia French and Alexandra Meerbach return to the mic by popular demand (read: one person). They delve into Edgar Allan Poe’s dark, grief-filled personal history and consider the events that likely had significant impacts upon his writing. They also discuss the literary devices masterfully employed by Poe and analyse the most recently released poetry and prose adaptations. What would you like to hear in another episode of Ravin’ and Ramblin’? As accomplished theatre makers...
25 Oct 2022
The Bells
A melodic poem of ringing and resounding, tolling and rolling, pealing and knelling bells. These clamouring sounds build and personify bell sounds as symbols of four milestones of human experience—childhood, youth, maturity, and death. Thank you for joining us for an episode of RavenMad, a Cygnet & Swan production. ‘The Bells’ was originally written by Edgar Allan Poe. This adaptation was directed and edited by Alexandra Meerbach with Elizabeth Bradford and sound design by Michael Groth....
27 Sept 2022
The Masque of the Red Death
As a plague ravages the country, an arrogant young prince retreats to his secluded abbey to host a series of lavish parties for his wealthy noble friends. But the pestilence cannot be shut out and the Red Death stalks the richly gilded halls. Thank you for joining us for an episode of RavenMad, a Cygnet & Swan production. ‘The Masque of the Red Death’ was originally written by Edgar Allan Poe. This adaptation was directed by Olivia French with sound design and musical direction by Marli v...
13 Sept 2022
The Raven
An old man recounts a fateful evening from his youth: on a dreary December evening, he was tormented by a raven who could speak but one word, ‘Nevermore’. This poem tells of his descent into an all consuming grief over the loss of his beloved Lenore. Thank you for joining us for an episode of RavenMad, a Cygnet & Swan production. ‘The Raven’ was originally written by Edgar Allan Poe. This adaptation is directed by Alexandra Meerbach with sound design by Jacob Thompson and script ada...
30 Aug 2022
Annabel Lee
A love story cut tragically short. A young man laments the loss of the beautiful Annabel Lee, whom he loves still, even in death. Thank you for joining us for an episode of RavenMad, a Cygnet & Swan production. The poem ‘Annabel Lee’ was originally written by Edgar Allan Poe. This adaptation was directed by Mary-Rose McLaren with sound design by Elizabeth Bradford and prepared for production by Alexandra Meerbach. 'Piano Sonata No. 14' was composed by Ludwig van Beethoven and perfor...
16 Aug 2022
Ravin' and Ramblin'
Join our creative directors, Olivia French and Alexandra Meerbach, as they discuss their motivations behind entering the world of Poe and gothic literature, as well as unravelling their chaotic creativity in the first four adaptations of our RavenMad project. If you enjoyed this bonus episode and would like us to do more, let us know! Leave a review or a rating on your podcast streaming platform or connect with us on social media. This episode was produced by Olivia French with Elizabeth Br...
2 Aug 2022
The City in the Sea
A poem that describes a city of sin, ruled by Death, which sinks to the bottom of the sea. This piece will be performed in choral by our skilled sirens of the sea. Watch our film adaptation of this poem on Cygnet & Swan's YouTube channel now! CREATIVE TEAM Director . . . Alexandra Meerbach Sound Editor . . . Elizabeth Bradford Composer . . . Matt Shaw CAST Sirens . . . Lana Lunacy, Ebony McClain and Marli van der Bijl PRODUCTION TEAM Producer . . . Cygnet & Swan Productions ...
19 Jul 2022
The Cask of Amontillado
Set in an Italian city at carnival time, a man takes revenge on a long time friend. Watch our film adaptation of this story on Cygnet & Swan's YouTube channel now! CREATIVE TEAM Director . . . Olivia French Sound Editor . . . Jacob Thompson CAST Narrator / Montressor . . . Sebastiano Pitruzello Fortunato . . . Jagaraj PRODUCTION TEAM Producer . . . Cygnet & Swan Productions Co-Creators & Creative Directors . . . Olivia French and Alexandra Meerbach Production Managers . . . Al...
5 Jul 2022
Eldorado
A gallant knight sets out on an epic quest to find the legendary city of Eldorado. Watch our film adaptation of this poem on Cygnet & Swan's YouTube channel now! CREATIVE TEAM Director . . . Alexandra Meerbach Sound Editor . . . Elizabeth Bradford Composer . . . Matt Shaw CAST Narrator . . . Clare Hamer The Knight . . . Barry Kay The Shadow . . . Sasha Cuha PRODUCTION TEAM Producer . . . Cygnet & Swan Productions Co-Creators & Creative Directors . . . Olivia French and Alexandr...
15 Jun 2022
The Oval Portrait
An injured Lord arrives at an abandoned chateau and discovers a room filled with incredible art, including a mysterious and compelling portrait of a beautiful young woman. Watch our film adaptation of this story on Cygnet & Swan's YouTube channel now! CREATIVE TEAM Director . . . Olivia French Sound Editor . . . Elizabeth Bradford Script Adaptation . . . Alexandra Meerbach Musical Director . . . Marli van der Bijl Composer . . . Marais van den Berg CAST Narrator . . . Jack Emond Siste...
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