E39: re:read - Edgar Allan Poe's "The Masque of the Red Death"
Today marks the inauguration of a new style of episode we’re trying out called re:read, in which we bring you sonic re-imaginings of literary works, featuring dramatic vocal performances, sound effects, and music. Each of the works we re:read will include themes related to current political and cultural events, and will be bookended by brief reflections on its implications for contemporary audiences.
For our first re:read, we bring to life a timely tale from horror master Edgar Allan Poe: “The Masque of the Red Death.” This story narrates a gala-turned-nightmare in the abbey of Prince Prospero, a rich despot presiding over a nation ravaged by a horrific plague known as the Red Death. To spite the threat of contagion, Prospero throws a magnificent masquerade ball, inviting his courtiers and friends to gather in a gratuitous, hedonistic celebration of life. The convivial spirit of the party, however, soon unravels as the guests’ creeping sense of their own mortality grows stronger, until they realize -- far too late -- that an unwanted guest is in their midst.
We hope you enjoy this reading, and that you’ll remember its key lesson. No amount of hubris -- be it derived from health, wealth, or power -- can protect you from the inevitable. With that in mind, please stay safe and healthy!
Work read for this episode
Poe, E. A., "The Masque of the Red Death."
Music sampled in this episode
Change Taq - “Double Summits”
Change Taq - “Adolescent Nitez (Sketch)”