Helen Webb is a sea captain in Santa Barbara who takes people out on the sea to scatter the ashes of their loved ones. She tells the story of her first day on the job, and it’s totally charming in a morbid sort of way. She also ruminates on her mother’s death and how she sees her own funeral happening one day. For such a dark subject, Mauro keeps things pretty buoyant. It’s a side of life that isn’t discussed all that much, and it makes for nice radio. This could go with other stories about the death trade, or just profiles of people who do unusual jobs.
This is a short piece about a captain who performs at-sea interments of ashes. It's a bit long to fit into a cutaway in the newsmagazines, but could be used as a refreshing addition to a longer program.
In the piece, the captain offers anecdotes of a few memorable interments, including some of her own personal reflections on death and burial. The structure of the piece is loose and it would be better to focus on just one anecdote rather than two (plus several tangential reflections). The clearer direction would make a deeper impression on the listener.
There is music that comes up occasionally under the narration that is not necessary. It's timidly inserted and doesn't establish a necessary presence. There is music at the end of the piece that is either not phased correctly or not balanced properly (it can only be clearly heard out of the right channel).
a philosophical/spiritual piece about death. I would start straight off with what the sea captain does (scattering ashes) so we can better appreciate her fist thoughts/words.
A strange length for easy placement (although easily cut). A good piece for Memorial day ! Nov 2 All Souls Day or Saint's day NOV 1 or Hallows' eve. It's thought provoking without stepping on another's beliefs. Nice work. (notes to producer)
Comments for What's Left is Not Who We Are
Produced by Paula Mauro
Other pieces by Paula Mauro
Rating Summary
4 comments
Judith Barron
Posted on June 05, 2004 at 07:20 AM | Permalink
Review of What's Left is Not Who We Are
This piece is low-key, thoughtful and quite affecting. A view of something I've not much thought of.
Jonathan Goldstein
Posted on May 23, 2004 at 08:11 AM | Permalink
Review of What's Left is Not Who We Are
Helen Webb is a sea captain in Santa Barbara who takes people out on the sea to scatter the ashes of their loved ones. She tells the story of her first day on the job, and it’s totally charming in a morbid sort of way. She also ruminates on her mother’s death and how she sees her own funeral happening one day. For such a dark subject, Mauro keeps things pretty buoyant. It’s a side of life that isn’t discussed all that much, and it makes for nice radio. This could go with other stories about the death trade, or just profiles of people who do unusual jobs.
Eric Nuzum
Posted on April 30, 2004 at 11:41 AM | Permalink
Review of What's Left is Not Who We Are
In the piece, the captain offers anecdotes of a few memorable interments, including some of her own personal reflections on death and burial. The structure of the piece is loose and it would be better to focus on just one anecdote rather than two (plus several tangential reflections). The clearer direction would make a deeper impression on the listener.
There is music that comes up occasionally under the narration that is not necessary. It's timidly inserted and doesn't establish a necessary presence. There is music at the end of the piece that is either not phased correctly or not balanced properly (it can only be clearly heard out of the right channel).
[redacted]
Posted on April 29, 2004 at 06:55 AM | Permalink
Review of What's Left is Not Who We Are
A strange length for easy placement (although easily cut). A good piece for Memorial day ! Nov 2 All Souls Day or Saint's day NOV 1 or Hallows' eve. It's thought provoking without stepping on another's beliefs. Nice work. (notes to producer)