Selected Shorts: School Misrule
Symphony Space
Release Date: November 28, 2024

Episode Overview

In the "School Misrule" episode of Selected Shorts, host Meg Wolitzer delves into the unconventional and often chaotic experiences within educational settings. This episode features a trio of thought-provoking and humorous stories that explore how students and teachers navigate and sometimes rebel against traditional school norms. Through these narratives, listeners gain insight into the resilience, creativity, and subtle forms of resistance that shape young lives.

Featured Stories

1. "Singin' in the Acid Rain" by Patricia Marx

   • Performer: Katrina Lenk
   • Timestamp: [03:28]

   Summary:

   Katrina Lenk brings to life Patricia Marx's imaginative tale set in the year 2058. The story unfolds through a satirical parental notification from Dark Horizons Elementary School, highlighting the absurdities of a dystopian future where environmental catastrophes are the norm. The narrative humorously addresses the challenges teachers face in maintaining order amidst chaos, such as organizing end-of-term barbecues despite unpredictable weather and dealing with bizarre classroom occurrences like genetically spliced animals and failed school projects.

   Notable Quotes:

   • "Trying to disseminate information to a classroom of rambunctious kids would never work without certain guidelines to maintain order." [05:10]
   • "It's not the planet that's going to disappear, just humans." [08:45]

   Discussion:

   After the performance, Meg Wolitzer engages in a conversation with Patricia Marx about the integration of humor into apocalyptic settings. Marx explains her affinity for dark humor, emphasizing how it stems from authentic truths and the human condition. She reflects on the playful dystopia portrayed in her story, where a cheerful third-grade teacher strives to keep her students optimistic despite the world's unraveling.

   Notable Quote:

   • "Humor, when it works, it's based in truth and authenticity, and it's pretty much accepted by everybody." [10:24]

2. "The School" by Donald Barthelmay

   • Performer: Laura Esterman
   • Timestamp: [14:06]

   Summary:

   Laura Esterman narrates Donald Barthelmay's "The School," a story that satirizes the struggles of a classroom grappling with inexplicable tests and an increasing mortality rate among students and parents. The tale highlights a series of unfortunate events, from dead trees on a class project to unexpected deaths and a chaotic fight over a student's jacket. Through these events, the story critiques institutional responses to crisis and the fragile nature of order within educational environments.

   Notable Quotes:

   • "The lesson plan called for a tropical fish input. At that point, there was nothing we could do." [16:45]
   • "It was an extraordinary number of parents passing away, for instance." [19:30]

   Discussion:

   Meg Wolitzer draws parallels between Barthelmay's and Marx's stories, noting their shared theme of seeking new forms of order amidst chaos. She emphasizes the delicate balance of humor and darkness that both authors achieve, allowing listeners to reflect on deeper societal issues through the lens of school life.

   Notable Quote:

   • "Both stories manage to be dark and funny at the same time." [22:00]

3. "Melvin in the Sixth Grade" by Dana Johnson

   • Performer: Nicky M. James
   • Timestamp: [26:08]

   Summary:

   Nicky M. James delivers a poignant and relatable portrayal of Avery, an 11-year-old navigating the tumultuous waters of middle school. The story captures Avery's infatuation with Melvin, a quirky and misunderstood classmate, against the backdrop of her family's move from a troubled Los Angeles neighborhood to the suburbs. Through Avery's internal monologue, listeners witness her struggle with identity, peer acceptance, and the complexities of young love.

   Notable Quotes:

   • "Melvin was the only one who called me by my name otherwise." [28:45]
   • "He was getting serious about looking for those Winstons." [32:10]

   Analysis:

   Meg Wolitzer reflects on Avery's journey, highlighting the character's gradual realization about self-love and the harsh realities of peer cruelty. She discusses how the story underscores the importance of protecting one's identity in a hostile environment and the subtle acts of kindness that offer solace amid adversity.

   Notable Quote:

   • "Avery's slow dawning realization about love reveals a deeper need for self love." [57:59]

Behind the Scenes

Host Insights:

Meg Wolitzer provides thoughtful commentary between stories, enhancing the listening experience by connecting thematic elements and exploring the authors' intentions. Her conversations with writers Patricia Marx and Donald Barthelmay offer deeper understanding into the creation and significance of each story.

Production Notes:

• Produced by: Jennifer Brennan and Sarah Montague
• Team Members: Matthew Love, Drew Richardson, Mary Shimkin, Vivienne Woodward, and Magdalene Robleski
• Recording Locations: Live performances at Symphony Space in New York City and various venues nationwide
• Support: Dungannon Foundation and public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts

Conclusion

"School Misrule" masterfully intertwines humor, tragedy, and resilience to portray the multifaceted nature of school life. Through engaging performances and insightful discussions, Selected Shorts invites listeners to reflect on the unspoken rules and unexpected lessons that shape our educational experiences. Whether it's a dystopian classroom or the heartfelt struggles of a sixth grader, this episode underscores the enduring impact of unconventional learning environments on personal growth and societal understanding.

Interested in Sharing Your Story?

Selected Shorts invites submissions for the 2025 Selected Short Story Prize, judged by acclaimed writer Ottessa Moshfegh. The winning story will be performed by an actor in spring 2025 and published on Electric Literature. Additionally, the winner will receive $1,000 and a free 10-week course with Gotham Writers Workshop. Visit selectedshorts.org for more details.

This summary captures the essence of the "School Misrule" episode, highlighting key narratives, notable quotes, and insightful discussions, providing a comprehensive overview for both existing listeners and newcomers.