I am pleased and proud to introduce THE ABELS, a scripted fiction podcast, coming next year. The docudrama, set in a rural community, is based on BBC Radio 4’s iconic radio soap opera, THE ARCHERS, continuously on air since 1951. Since April 2017, ideas and plans for the sound, aesthetic, and mission of the project have been mostly in my head and heart, but last week they finally came out into the world, as the pitch deck, a sizzle reel, and an ARCHERS listeners testimonial reel went live at TheAbelsPodcast.com.
My interest in the project was sparked by a particular storyline from THE ARCHERS that began in 2013. In partnership with Women’s Aid, England’s top domestic violence charity, THE ARCHERS explored a true-to-life storyline about coercive control and domestic violence as it played out in a relationship. For over three years, listeners heard the slow-burn, harrowing, realistic portrayal of the devastation of psychological abuse and violence in the lives of individuals, families, and communities. As I listened to the troubling story unfold, I recognized it was one American audiences desperately needed, as well.
The National Network to End Domestic Violence has agreed to serve as expert consultants, and my intention is that starting in 2020, THE ABELS will be available across North America, starting with an American version of THE ARCHERS’ iconic domestic violence storyline, with more “ripped from the news” story arcs to follow. In fact, the concept has deepened and grown from a stand-alone story adaptation to a podcast series adaptation, and my hope is that it will continue for years to come.
You can read and listen to all the details, and sign up to receive updates about THE ABELS, as the work develops. I would be so grateful for your early support. I can’t wait to hear — and share — what happens next with you.
