Selected Shorts: Margaret Atwood – Future Imperfect

Release Date: June 26, 2025
Host: Meg Wolitzer
Produced by: Symphony Space

Introduction

[00:40] Meg Wolitzer
Meg Wolitzer opens the episode by introducing Margaret Atwood, highlighting her status as a literary icon, dystopian prophet, and advocate for free speech. She underscores Atwood’s extensive contributions to literature, particularly her speculative fiction works like The Handmaid's Tale and the Mad Adam trilogy. Wolitzer emphasizes the diversity and depth of Atwood’s storytelling, setting the stage for an engaging exploration of her latest collection, Old Babes in the Wood.

Quote:
"Margaret Atwood doesn't predict the future. She observes the present." – Meg Wolitzer

Live Introduction by Margaret Atwood

[02:31] Margaret Atwood
Atwood welcomes the audience to Selected Shorts, mentioning her extensive body of short stories that have been featured on the show. She introduces her new collection, Old Babes in the Wood, describing it as a tapestry of varied narratives ranging from realistic portrayals of relationships to whimsical and fantastical tales. Atwood hints at recurring characters Nell and Tig, and teases the eclectic nature of the stories to be presented.

Quotes:
"Seven stories are about Nell and Tig. I've written about them before. Those stories are, let's say, more realistic."
"An alien, a snail that has gotten into a woman's body by mistake. A woman murdered by clamshells." – Margaret Atwood

Performance: "There Was Once"

[05:49] Performers: Rene Auberjonois, Jane Kacmarek, Zach Grenier
A humorous and satirical rendition of Atwood’s "There Was Once" is performed by a trio of actors. The piece parodies traditional fairy tale openings, reflecting Atwood’s critical engagement with language and societal norms. The playful banter among the actors mirrors Atwood’s own editorial voice, showcasing her wit and penchant for subverting expectations.

Notable Interaction:
[06:04] Jane Kacmarek:
"Forest is passé. I mean, I have had it with this wilderness stuff. It's not a right image of our society today. Let's have some urban for a change."

[08:14] Rene Auberjonois:
"But she was poor."

[10:16] Jane Kacmarek:
"What's this once? Enough of the dead past. Tell me about now."

Summary:
The performance exemplifies Atwood’s ability to infuse traditional narratives with contemporary issues, using humor to critique societal expectations and language.

Performance: "Widows"

[11:55] Margaret Atwood
Atwood introduces "Widows," describing it as an epistolary story written in the form of an unsent letter. She provides context about the narrative, which explores the lives of widows and the complexities of mourning and social interactions.

[12:25] Ellen Burstyn
Ellen Burstyn delivers a poignant and reflective reading of "Widows." The story delves into themes of loss, memory, and the enduring presence of loved ones beyond death. Burstyn's nuanced performance captures the emotional depth and subtle complexities of Atwood’s writing.

Notable Excerpts:
[13:05] Ellen Burstyn:
"There is no safe. At any moment, the fragile thread by which we dangle may break and we may plummet into the unknown."

[23:20] Ellen Burstyn (Conclusion):
"Thus, Dear Stevie, thank you for your letter. Stay safe. Fondly, Nell."

Summary:
"Widows" transcends personal mourning, addressing broader societal expectations and the intricate dance of public and private grief. Burstyn’s delivery brings out the story’s introspective and contemplative nature.

Performance: "Free for All"

[32:58] Performer: Becky Ann Baker
Becky Ann Baker performs "Free for All," a speculative fiction piece originally written by Atwood in 1986 and later adapted for this collection. The story presents a dystopian future where a sexually transmitted disease has forced society to impose strict controls on personal relationships and reproduction. Baker’s portrayal as Charmaine Humboldt Gray, a matriarch responsible for arranging marriages, vividly brings to life the oppressive and controlled environment Atwood envisions.

Notable Excerpts:
[35:19] Charmaine Humboldt Gray:
"It's a sort of pancake flip of the Handmaid's Tale. It has a matriarch in it for a change."

[53:20] Baker (Conclusion):
"Veils were obligatory these days. They covered a multitude of sins."

Summary:
"Free for All" explores themes of autonomy, societal control, and the commodification of relationships. Baker’s immersive performance highlights the tension between individual desires and institutional mandates, reflecting Atwood’s critique of authoritarianism and loss of personal freedom.

Interview: Margaret Atwood with a.m. Holmes

[53:53] Meg Wolitzer
After the performances, Meg Wolitzer moderates a conversation between Margaret Atwood and fellow novelist a.m. Holmes, touching upon the influence of Atwood’s work on contemporary movements and the enduring relevance of her dystopian narratives.

Key Discussion Points:

1. Women’s March and Symbolism:

   • [55:11] Holmes:
     "In London, they marched from Westminster to the embassy, and hundreds of women were wearing the Handmaid's costume..."

   • [55:13] Atwood:
     "They are perfect in a way because you can put them on, you can go in. You cannot be expelled for being disruptive because you're not saying anything."

2. Writing Dystopias vs. Social Realism:

   • [56:38] Holmes:
     "Are they writing to run away from something or are they writing us towards something?"

   • [56:46] Atwood:
     "If you didn't convince yourself of your story, nobody else is going to be either."

3. Navigating Frightening Narratives:

   • [57:34] Holmes:
     "How do you navigate writing something that you find scary?"

   • [57:42] Atwood:
     "If it convinces me, I think I probably better keep going."

Notable Quotes:

• [55:23] Atwood:
  "It did spread all around the world. And I can say that it is still, still being used because it is so immediate and visual."

• [58:11] Atwood:
  "If you're not convinced by it, nobody else is going to be either."

Summary:
The interview delves into the societal impact of Atwood’s work, particularly how her dystopian visions resonate with real-world movements advocating for women’s rights. Atwood reflects on the importance of authenticity in storytelling and the responsibility of writers to engage with pressing social issues through compelling narratives.

Conclusion

[58:11] Meg Wolitzer
Meg Wolitzer wraps up the episode by reflecting on Atwood’s multifaceted contributions to literature and society. She commends Atwood’s ability to blend political imagination with personal storytelling, emphasizing her enduring relevance and the hopeful search for solutions amidst a challenging world.

Quote:
"Atwood is about much more than the projects for which she's best known. Her many other works showcase not only her political imagination, but her wit, her playfulness, and her subtle understanding of the nature of love." – Meg Wolitzer

Production Credits

• Produced by: Jennifer Brennan and Sarah Montague
• Team Includes: Matthew Love, Drew Richardson, Mary Shimkin, Vivienne Woodward, and Magdalene Robleski
• Readings Recorded by: Miles B. Smith
• Recorded at: Getty Center in Los Angeles and other venues nationwide
• Theme Music: "That's the Deal" by David Peterson, performed by the Deardorf Petersen Group
• Supported by: Dungannon Foundation and public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts

Key Takeaways

• Margaret Atwood’s Versatility: The episode showcases Atwood’s ability to traverse various genres and themes, from satire and personal reflection to speculative dystopian futures.

• Engagement with Contemporary Issues: Atwood’s narratives often mirror current societal challenges, making her work both timeless and timely.

• Power of Storytelling: Through performances and discussions, the episode underscores the profound impact of storytelling in shaping and reflecting societal values and movements.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• [00:40]
  "Margaret Atwood doesn't predict the future. She observes the present." – Meg Wolitzer

• [06:04]
  "Forest is passé. I mean, I have had it with this wilderness stuff. It's not a right image of our society today. Let's have some urban for a change." – Jane Kacmarek

• [12:25]
  "There is no safe. At any moment, the fragile thread by which we dangle may break and we may plummet into the unknown." – Ellen Burstyn

• [53:24]
  "What's this once? Enough of the dead past. Tell me about now." – Jane Kacmarek

• [55:13]
  "They are perfect in a way because you can put them on, you can go in. You cannot be expelled for being disruptive because you're not saying anything." – Margaret Atwood

This episode of Selected Shorts offers a comprehensive and immersive experience into Margaret Atwood’s literary world, blending live performances with insightful discussions. For fans and newcomers alike, it serves as a testament to Atwood’s enduring legacy and her profound ability to capture and critique the human condition through fiction.