Selected Shorts: "Hiding in Plain Sight" Summary

Episode Information:

• Title: Hiding in Plain Sight
• Host: Meg Wolitzer
• Author: Symphony Space
• Release Date: May 8, 2025
• Description: Our greatest actors transport us through the magic of fiction, one short story at a time. Sometimes funny. Always moving. Selected Shorts connects you to the world with a rich diversity of voices from literature, film, theater, and comedy. New episodes every Thursday, from Symphony Space.

Introduction

[00:38] Meg Wolitzer opens the episode by exploring the duality of "hiding in plain sight." She contrasts playful, everyday instances—like misplacing keys—with more profound, haunting interpretations found in literature by authors like Franz Kafka and Thomas Pynchon. Meg sets the stage for the evening’s theme by delving into the concept of hidden dangers lurking within the ordinary, drawing parallels to magic eye pictures where images emerge from seemingly bland scenes when viewed from the right perspective.

"It can be compelling, the idea that there's some secret order to our world. Some people see it, others ignore it at their peril." — Meg Wolitzer [02:15]

She introduces the night's focus on "dangerous fiction," highlighting stories from authors who have faced book bans. The evening features two narratives: Walter Dean Myers' "The Beast is in the Labyrinth" and Shirley Jackson's "The Lottery," both embodying secrets that remain obscured beneath the surface of everyday life.

Story 1: "The Beast in the Labyrinth" by Walter Dean Myers

[04:16] Jelani Aladdin performs "The Beast in the Labyrinth," a poignant tale exploring the complexities of identity, family, and the struggle to find one's place. The story follows John, a young man navigating his life between the predominantly white environment of Millersville, Pennsylvania, and his roots in Harlem. Themes of isolation, cultural dissonance, and the search for belonging are intricately woven throughout the narrative.

John’s journey is marked by his attempts to assimilate into Millersville’s community, only to feel a persistent pull back to Harlem—a place filled with both memories and unspoken hardships. The titular "labyrinth" symbolizes the intricate and often oppressive structures that dictate one's sense of self and destiny.

"I just tap into the truth that was Jelani Aladdin backstage at Symphony Space." — Meg Wolitzer [30:40]

Discussion with Jelani Aladdin

[29:19] Meg Wolitzer engages in a conversation with Jelani Aladdin about his interpretation of the story.

Meg Wolitzer: "This story is so affecting, very sad, and also a little bit dizzying."

Jelani Aladdin: "I approached the story by trying to put myself in the shoes of this young man who's experiencing so much for the first time... there’s still curiosity at every corner of the story." [29:32]

Jelani emphasizes the personal and deep nature of the narrative, highlighting the protagonist’s innocence amidst heavy themes. He discusses the metaphor of the labyrinth as not just a physical maze but as an emotional and psychological journey, reflecting the characters' internal struggles and the unseen forces shaping their lives.

"I like to think of every human as the self we present and the shadow self that no one sees." — Jelani Aladdin [30:22]

Meg concludes by acknowledging Walter Dean Myers' adeptness at portraying characters with depth, allowing listeners to observe their lives from both ground level and a more detached perspective. She reflects on the enduring relevance of the story's themes about hidden dangers and societal pressures.

Story 2: "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson

[32:27] Meg Wolitzer introduces the second story of the evening, "The Lottery" by Shirley Jackson, performed by Amy Ryan. Published in 1948, the story has remained a classic, known for its shocking and unsettling conclusion that critiques blind adherence to tradition.

Amy Ryan delivers a chilling rendition of the narrative, which unfolds in a seemingly idyllic village where residents gather for an annual lottery. As the story progresses, the true nature of the lottery—a ritualistic sacrifice—is unveiled, leaving a lasting impact on the audience.

"She didn't see it coming. But she never saw it coming." — Amy Ryan as Tessie Hutchinson [54:45]

Discussion with Amy Ryan

[55:28] Meg Wolitzer converses with Amy Ryan about her experience reading "The Lottery."

Amy Ryan: "This is new to me. It's shocking. That might be the one reason I'm glad for a banned book series." [55:36]

Amy shares her initial unfamiliarity with the story and her reaction to its brutal ending. She commends Shirley Jackson for her foresight and bravery in addressing such intense themes in 1948. Amy highlights the story's timeless relevance, drawing parallels to contemporary issues of conformity and societal violence.

"I'm much happier to ban guns than to ban words on a page." — Amy Ryan [56:44]

Meg reflects on the enduring impact of "The Lottery," reminiscing about her own first encounter with the story during her school years and the profound effect it had on her perception of literature and society.

Conclusion

[56:54] Meg Wolitzer wraps up the episode by contemplating the nature of dangerous stories and their ability to reveal uncomfortable truths about humanity. She muses on how authors like Jackson and Myers excel at uncovering the hidden perils embedded within the fabric of everyday life, prompting listeners to reconsider what they perceive as normal.

"Maybe they exposed something about ourselves we weren't prepared to look at. Or maybe authors like Jackson and Myers are just incredibly adept at seeing those things that hide in plain sight." — Meg Wolitzer [58:30]

Meg thanks the audience for joining and acknowledges the production team, emphasizing the support from various foundations and public funds that make the show possible.

Notable Quotes:

• "It can be compelling, the idea that there's some secret order to our world. Some people see it, others ignore it at their peril." — Meg Wolitzer [02:15]

• "I like to think of every human as the self we present and the shadow self that no one sees." — Jelani Aladdin [30:22]

• "This story is incredibly personal, incredibly deep." — Jelani Aladdin [29:32]

• "I'm much happier to ban guns than to ban words on a page." — Amy Ryan [56:44]

• "Maybe they exposed something about ourselves we weren't prepared to look at." — Meg Wolitzer [58:30]

Final Notes:

"Hiding in Plain Sight" masterfully intertwines two powerful narratives that challenge listeners to look beyond the surface. Through evocative performances and insightful discussions, Meg Wolitzer and her guests illuminate the subtle dangers and profound truths that lie beneath ordinary facades. This episode serves as a compelling reminder of the power of fiction to reflect and critique societal norms.