Selected Shorts: Episode Summary – "Sleight of Hand"
Release Date: July 10, 2025
Host: Meg Wolitzer
Producer: Symphony Space
Podcast 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
In the July 10, 2025 episode of Selected Shorts, titled "Sleight of Hand," host Meg Wolitzer delves into the enchanting world of narrative trickery and illusion. Emphasizing the parallels between storytelling and magic, Wolitzer sets the stage for an evening filled with captivating tales that entertain and surprise.
Notable Quote:
"An author can fool the ear as easily as a magician can trick the eye."
— Meg Wolitzer [01:10]
Theme Explanation: The Magic of Fiction
Meg Wolitzer introduces the episode by exploring the concept of magic in storytelling. She compares writers to close-up magicians—illusionists who delight the senses and momentarily make us believe in the extraordinary. Wolitzer emphasizes that great storytellers manipulate narrative expectations to achieve maximum surprise, much like magicians performing sleight of hand.
Notable Quote:
"Great storytellers know what it is we think is going to happen and shake up our expectations along the way."
— Meg Wolitzer [03:10]
Story 1: "The Third Wife" by Penelope Lively
Performed by: Patricia Kalimber and Daniel Jarrell
Source: The Purple Swamp Hen and Other Stories
Summary:
Penelope Lively's "The Third Wife" weaves a darkly comedic tale of a man juggling his relationships with three wives. The protagonist, Stan (also known as Peter or Mark), employs creative accounting and manipulation to dispose of his spouses without resorting to divorce or murder. The story unfolds through multiple points of view, highlighting the intricate dynamics and eventual downfall of Stan's deceptive practices.
Key Themes:
- Deception and Manipulation: Stan's intricate schemes to maintain multiple identities and manage his finances reflect the theme of sleight of hand.
- Marriage and Relationships: The complexities of marital bonds and the lengths one might go to sustain them.
- Consequences of Deceit: The unraveling of Stan's plans showcases the inevitable repercussions of his dishonesty.
Notable Quotes:
"Divorce is for those who haven't a clue how to look after themselves."
— Patricia Kalimber as Stan [06:25]
"He was the marrying sort. He respected marriage. He approved of marriage."
— Patricia Kalimber [09:21]
Performance Highlights:
Patricia Kalimber and Daniel Jarrell bring the characters to life with nuanced performances, emphasizing the subtlety of Stan's manipulations and the resulting tension. Their portrayal underscores the story's dark humor and the intricate "trickery" that defines Stan's relationships.
Story 2: "Tempo" by Ro Kwon Kwan
Performed by: Haecein Park
Source: Kink (Story Collection)
Summary:
"Tempo" is a poignant exploration of sibling relationships and personal loss. The narrator reflects on a flight with her younger brother, Paul, highlighting their differing perspectives on life and art. As memories unfold, the story delves into themes of grief, the search for meaning, and the enduring impact of familial bonds.
Key Themes:
- Grief and Loss: The narrator grapples with the sudden loss of her loved ones, comparing it to giving up an essential element like water.
- Art and Perception: The analogy between opera music's prelude and life's apparent chaos emphasizes the search for order and meaning.
- Sibling Relationships: The dynamic between the narrator and Paul underscores the complexities of familial connections.
Notable Quotes:
"It's like giving up water. The longer I go without, the more I thirst."
— Haecein Park as Narrator [22:30]
"Maybe, Paul, I just don't see the full measure. It's possible we're part of a longer song."
— Haecein Park [21:55]
Performance Highlights:
Haecein Park delivers a heartfelt performance, capturing the nuanced emotions of the narrator. Her ability to convey both introspection and vulnerability brings depth to the narrative, aligning seamlessly with the episode's magic theme by revealing the hidden layers of human emotion.
Story 3: "The Alaska of Giants and Gods" by Dave Eggers
Performed by: Kate Burton
Source: Original Story
Summary:
Dave Eggers' "The Alaska of Giants and Gods" narrates the journey of Josie, a woman escaping her tumultuous past by moving to Seward, Alaska with her two children. Onboard a dilapidated RV, they encounter Charlie, an eccentric old man who introduces them to a magic show aboard a cruise ship. Amidst the performances, Josie confronts her life's decisions, leading to a profound personal revelation about her destiny as a tugboat captain.
Key Themes:
- Escape and Transformation: Josie's relocation to Alaska symbolizes her attempt to flee her previous life and embrace a new identity.
- Magic and Reality: The juxtaposition of the magic show with Josie's personal transformation highlights the interplay between illusion and genuine change.
- Destiny and Self-Discovery: Josie's realization of her true calling underscores the theme of finding one's purpose through unexpected circumstances.
Notable Quotes:
"At 38, she finally knew she would lead the ships to safety. That was why she'd come to Seward."
— Kate Burton as Josie [47:45]
"Tugboat captain. Oh, yes. It had all been worth it."
— Kate Burton [57:45]
Performance Highlights:
Kate Burton masterfully portrays Josie's emotional journey, capturing her internal conflicts and eventual enlightenment. Her expressive delivery brings authenticity to Josie's experiences, effectively intertwining the story's magical elements with her personal growth.
Host Commentary and Insights
Throughout the episode, Meg Wolitzer interjects with insightful commentary, drawing connections between the stories and the overarching theme of sleight of hand in storytelling. She emphasizes how each narrative employs subtle twists and manipulations to engage and surprise the audience, much like a magician's performance.
Notable Quote:
"Dave Eggers is all about what we might call the big reveal. But I don't only mean the big reveal at the end of a story or a trick. His reveals are big all the way through."
— Meg Wolitzer [57:45]
Conclusion
The "Sleight of Hand" episode of Selected Shorts masterfully blends captivating storytelling with the thematic essence of magic and illusion. Through the performances of Patricia Kalimber, Daniel Jarrell, Haecein Park, and Kate Burton, listeners are transported into worlds where deception, grief, and self-discovery are intertwined with narrative tricks that challenge and enchant. Meg Wolitzer's insightful commentary further enriches the experience, inviting listeners to appreciate the artistry behind each tale's construction.
Final Quote:
"Selected Shorts is about the magic of fiction. It's just a figure of speech. I know, I know. A literary radio show and podcast playing with words."
— Meg Wolitzer [23:50]
Support and Production Credits:
Selected Shorts is produced by Jennifer Brennan and Sarah Montague, with contributions from Matthew Love, Drew Richardson, Mary Shimkin, Vivienne Woodward, and Magdalene Robleski. Recorded live at Symphony Space in New York City and other venues nationwide, the program is supported by the Dungannon Foundation and public funds from the New York State Council on the Arts. For more information or to donate, visit selectedshorts.org.