Podcast
Newts!
Hosted by PRX · EN
A sea captain barges into the office of a shipping merchant, dragging in a barrel of water. He’s here on business, with a humble proposition. He opens the lid and reveals a newt.
Inspired by the work of Czech science fiction pioneer Karel Čapek, Newts! chronicles an alternate history of the 20th Century in which the western world discovers, exploits, educates, arms, and is ultimately overthrown by a species of highly intelligent amphibians. It’s a farcical yet deadly serious tale about self-interest and the nature of humanity, told as a six part audio drama with original music.
7episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
Episode 6: The Ladder of Civilization
Jul 5, 202200:37:30Tap to summarizeAs earthquakes and floods shake the globe, humanity comes together in tragedy. But the peace is short lived, after a mysterious leader emerges from the sea, claiming responsibility. Will this leader negotiate – and can humanity overcome their own differences in order to save the species? All this and more in the exciting conclusion to Newts!
Transcribe →Episode 5: The Day the Earth Shook, Again
Jun 28, 202200:26:36Tap to summarizeThe world is on the brink, as countries race to arm their newts for aquatic warfare. The British Prime Minister resigns in scandal, but his unlikely replacement is soon tested by Germany’s ‘Uber Newt’ – and the simmering stand-off prompts a worldwide debate about the future of human-newt relations.
Transcribe →Episode 4: Channel Surfing
Jun 21, 202200:23:40Tap to summarizeThe newts go global: moving into rivers, inlets, bays – and also into politics, music, religion, romance, sports, cartoons and more. For a brief moment, we enjoy the absurdity of it all – but how long can the party last?
Transcribe →Episode 3: The Newt Talks
Jun 14, 202200:29:23Tap to summarizeThe first newt in captivity languishes at the London Zoo – until a lowly janitor accidentally teaches it to talk. Meanwhile, Mr. Bondy schemes to exploit the newts' newfound skills and popularity, but finds his biggest obstacle is his own business partner: Captain Van Toch.
Transcribe →Episode 2: Lovers on Pearl Island
Jun 7, 202200:28:18Tap to summarizeVan Toch’s newts spread across the Pacific, harvesting pearls for Mr. Bondy in secret. But their cover is blown when a vacationing Hollywood starlet encounters a newt on a remote island – and turns her chance encounter into an epic adventure fit for the silver screen.
Transcribe →Episode 1: That Ain’t No Devil
Jun 7, 202200:24:22Tap to summarizeWhere to begin the story of the end of humanity? Maybe somewhere in the East Indies, where Captain Van Toch falls in love with a species of three foot tall newts. They’re slimy, smart – and starving. Determined to save his newfound children, Van Toch seeks help from an old acquaintance, hoping that a childhood grudge won’t spoil his plans.
Transcribe →Trailer: "Newts!"
May 31, 202200:02:26Tap to summarizeInspired by the work of Czech science fiction pioneer Karel Čapek, Newts! chronicles an alternate history of the 20th Century in which the western world discovers, exploits, educates, arms, and is ultimately overthrown by a species of highly intelligent amphibians. It’s a farcical yet deadly serious tale about self-interest and the nature of humanity, told in six parts and with original music.
Transcribe →