Circle Round: "The Noise Next Door" (February 3, 2026)

Episode Overview

In this lively live-recorded episode of WBUR's Circle Round, host Rebecca Sheir and a talented ensemble present "The Noise Next Door," a folktale adaptation from Haiti. The story explores themes of annoyance, problem-solving, empathy, and, most importantly, the enduring power of friendship and community. Through a humorous and heartfelt tale, listeners young and old are encouraged to reflect on how they respond to irritations—and how kindness and creativity often yield better solutions than force.

Key Discussion Points & Story Beats

[00:43] Introduction & Setting the Stage

• Host Rebecca Sheir greets the live audience and introduces the cast and musicians. She presents the main theme: how we deal with annoyances says a lot about us.
• The episode is performed live at the Glendale Performing Arts Center.

[01:33] The Tale Begins: A Presidential Predicament

• A new president and her husband, the First Gentleman, move into the splendid Presidential Palace, eager for their new chapter.
• The president's first morning is interrupted by a cacophony of “banging, clanging, clinking, and clanking."
• Memorable moment:
  • President yells, "What is that noise? I've never heard such an awful racket." ([03:58])

[04:25] Meeting the Noisy Neighbors

• The president discovers the noise comes from two industrious blacksmiths living next door in tiny houses, hammering all day and night.
• The blacksmiths explain they were invited by the previous president to serve the community with their craft.
• The president is distressed by the constant noise but recognizes the value the blacksmiths provide.

[07:07] Attempted Compromises

• The president asks the blacksmiths to take the day off; they politely refuse due to their demanding workload.
• She acknowledges to her husband that firing them would be unfair, as the town depends on their skills.

[10:04] A "Generous" Offer

• President and First Gentleman retreat to a broom closet to strategize in peace.
  • Lighthearted banter about misunderstandings with the word "fire" provides comic relief.
  • Quote from President: "I don't want those women out of a job. I just want them out of here." ([10:54])

[11:49] The Relocation Plan

• The president offers each blacksmith a bag of money to move elsewhere, hoping to restore her peace and quiet.
• The blacksmiths reluctantly agree, expressing their contentment with their current homes but ultimately committing to move "by tomorrow morning."
  • Quote, cheerful but with a chuckle: "It's been wonderful knowing you, just not hearing you." ([14:44])

[15:15] The (Noisy) Twist

• The president expects a peaceful morning, but the same hammering resumes.
• Rushing outside, she finds the blacksmiths in the same houses, continuing their work.
• The president demands an explanation for what appears to be a broken promise.
• The blacksmiths explain, "We did move, just as you asked… We decided we would swap our bags of money and buy each other's houses." ([17:35]-[17:44])

[18:26] The True Solution

• The blacksmiths, with the extra money, gift the president and her household earmuffs—"not the kind that keep your ears warm, but the kind that protect your ears from noise." ([18:39])
• In this gesture, the president recognizes the true power of community, friendship, and creative problem-solving.
  • Narration: "...as she beheld the hardworking women, she understood something. She understood that friendship and loyalty were powerful things. So powerful, in fact, they could be as strong as iron." ([19:34])

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• President’s Exasperation:
  • “What is that noise? I've never heard such an awful racket.” ([03:58])
• Wordplay & Humor:
  • The First Gentleman repeatedly mishears the president (e.g., “You've never burned such a waffles jacket?”), adding lighthearted comedy throughout the episode. ([04:04], [08:17])
• On Generosity:
  • “I will give each of you a big bag of cash. You can use the money to leave your current house and get another one somewhere else. Anywhere else.” ([13:32])
• Blacksmiths’ Ingenuity:
  • “We decided we would swap our bags of money and buy each other's houses.” ([17:35])
• Resolution & Moral:
  • “She understood that friendship and loyalty were powerful things. So powerful, in fact, they could be as strong as iron.” ([19:36])

Important Timestamps

• [00:43] — Rebecca Sheir introduces the story and cast
• [03:32] — Noisy breakfast disrupted, president hears the blacksmiths
• [05:25] — The president meets the blacksmiths
• [10:04] — President debates what to do in the broom closet
• [12:01] — President offers money to the blacksmiths to move
• [15:15] — President discovers noise remains after blacksmiths "move"
• [17:35] — Reveal and clever solution: they swapped houses
• [18:39] — Blacksmiths gift earmuffs; president gains new understanding
• [19:36] — Story’s moral about the strength of friendship

Episode’s Activity & Deeper Conversation

After the story, listeners are encouraged to think about their own friendships and consider doing something kind for a close friend this week:

"...send them a card, write them a song, or just share some caring words to remind your pal how much you value their friendship." ([19:36])

Tone & Style

The episode is playful, musical, and filled with warmth and gentle humor, making it engaging for children and adults. The performance includes comedic wordplay, heartfelt moments, and clever sound design, all while delivering a meaningful message about respect, community, and finding creative solutions rather than quick fixes.

Summary

"The Noise Next Door" is a clever, charming folktale about finding harmony in a community, respecting the needs and contributions of others—even when they pose challenges—and valuing friendship. It invites children and adults alike to explore empathy, ingenuity, and the importance of working together to solve problems. The joyful live performance enhances the theme that sometimes the best solutions come not from force or bribery, but from understanding and kindness—and, if all else fails, a good pair of earmuffs.