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Keeping the Past Alive

Samira Ahmed considers the value of reviving, re-examining and re-connecting with the past. Including music and readings.

Samira Ahmed considers the value of reviving, re-examining and re-connecting with the past. She explores the significance of bringing back lost traditions, values, stories and memories in order to re-experience them in the present.

Brandyn Shaw is a young man who is recreating a 1930's life for himself in the 21st Century. He dresses in period clothes, sings Al Bowlly songs in 30's clubs and he even has an iron from the 1930's to get his shirts properly starched. For Brandyn, this is a life of escape into what he perceives as a gentler way of living.
So, can the past teach us lessons to address the challenges of the present? Or can it only offer moments of rose tinted, historical escapism?

The programme includes John Agard's poem John Edmonstone, Old Tongue by Jackie Kay and Nostalgia by Billy Collins. Plus music by Perotin, Joan Baez and Kate Rusby.

Produced by Rosie Boulton
A Whistledown Production for Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4.

30 minutes

Last on

Sun 7 Jul 2013 23:30
Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4

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Holy Verses

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Procrastination

See all episodes from Something Understood

  • Can a connection with the past represent a failure to connect with the present?

Music Played

  • ±ΚΓ©°ω΄Η³ΩΎ±²Τ

    Alleluia Nativitas

    Performers: Hilliard Ensemble and Jan Garbarek.

    • Officium Novum.
    • ECM New Series.
    • B003NBBNF4.
    • 10.

  • Patsy Cline

    She's Got You

    • She's Got You and other Classic Country Hits.
    • Replay Records - X5 Music Group.
    • B008UC1TWI.
    • 1.

  • Don McLean

    Babylon

    • American Pie.
    • EMI.
    • B001JIRM3K.

  • Andrew Davis / Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔSO

    Fantasia on a theme by Thomas Tallis – Vaughan Williams

    • Vaughan Williams : Symphony No.6, Fantasia On A Theme By Thomas Tallis & The Lark Ascending - Apex.
    • 2003 Warner Classics, Warner Music UK.
    • B001LMDIS2.

  • Joan Baez

    The Trees They Grow High

    • The Complete Joan Baez.
    • NFM.
    • 10.

  • Al Bowlly

    The Very Thought of You

    • The Very Thought of You.
    • River Records.
    • B0046PMPEY.
    • 1.

  • Kate Rusby

    The Village Green Preservation Society

    • Awkward Annie.
    • Pure Records.
    • B004B6EB7C.
    • 12.

Broadcasts

  • Sun 7 Jul 2013 06:05
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4
  • Sun 7 Jul 2013 23:30
    Βι¶ΉΤΌΕΔ Radio 4