Tales of the Night Sky
Bibi Jacob, Geoff Chong
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Original audio drama with spectacular soundscapes, based on the Greco-Roman myths behind the constellations. Written and directed by Bibi Jacob, these moving and sometimes humorous tales, brim with tragedy, injustice, and violence.
Available episodes
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Nov 1, 2023
S2 E12 The Trojans: 1869 PHILOCTETES
In this final Trojan episode, the ghosts of the war rise up and tell tales of loss and consolation.
Sensitive listeners be aware - some of the stories are disturbing.
Written and narrated by Bibi Jacob.
Sound and production by Geoff Chong.
Extracts from 17314 Aisakos and 884 Priamus feature Ciaran Cresswell and Les Clack.
A thank you to Chloe Dunn.
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Aug 7, 2023
S2 E11 The Trojans: 175 ANDROMACHE
Andromache appears in the university observatory to recount her tragic tale.
175 Andromache is a main-belt asteroid – not a Trojan in the L4 or L5 Lagrange points in Jupiter’s orbit. But since her character is central to the Trojan war, we’ve included her in this special series.
Written and directed by KJ Dwyer.
Edited by Bibi Jacob.
With Mia Leahy as Dardana
and Kate Colebrook as Petra.
Original violin and vocal compositions written and performed by Chloe Dunn.
Sound and production by Geoff Chong.
Recorded at the SACD studios, Paris.
You can listen to more of Chloe Dunn’s beautiful music, on becaflor.com / Bècaflor Teaser
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Jul 15, 2023
S2 E10 The Trojans: 617 PATROCLUS
Strange things happen one night, in a university observatory as Éloi struggles to stay awake and observe the 617 Patroclus asteroid.
Written and directed by KJ Dwyer.
With KJ Dwyer as Elio.
Mitchell Moreno as Patroclus.
Ken Starcevic as Menoetius.
Bibi Jacob as the radio announcer.
Sound and production by Geoff Chong.
The actors recorded at the SACD Podcast Studio, Paris. And in London - with huge thanks to Nigel Pilkington.
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Jun 30, 2023
S2 E9 The Trojans: 588 ACHILLES
Achilles, ‘the best of the Greeks’, slaughters Trojans mercilessly as he battles with his own grief and regrets.
Starring Tom Morton.
Written and directed by Bibi Jacob.
Production and sound by Geoff Chong.
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May 28, 2023
S2 E8 The Trojans: 112 IPHIGENIA
There’s an eerie stillness in the port town of Aulis when Iphigenia arrives there for her wedding. What exactly will it take to bring back the winds and allow the Greek ships to sail to Troy?
This original series was co-created with Chris Mack and KJ Dwyer.
And the original concept was sparked off in our writers' group, run by Chris Mack.
Written and performed by Julie Kayla.
Directed by Bibi Jacob.
Sound and production by Geoff Chong
Outro by Bibi Jacob.
112 Iphigenia is a main-belt asteroid – not a Trojan in the L4 or L5 Lagrange points in Jupiter’s orbit. But since her character is central to the Trojan war, we’ve included her in this special series.
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Apr 29, 2023
S2 E7 The Trojans: 884 PRIAMUS
In this second Trojan episode, King Priam remembers all that was lost in the first terrible siege of Troy.
This original series was co-created with Chris Mack and KJ Dwyer.
And the original concept was sparked off in our writers' group, run by Chris Mack.
Starring Les Clack.
Written and directed by Bibi Jacob.
Original violin compositions and playing by Chloe Dunn.
Sound and production by Geoff Chong.
Recorded at the SACD Podcast Studio, Paris.
If you want to listen to more of Chloe Dunn’s beautiful music, click on the links:
becaflor.com / Bècaflor Teaser
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Apr 29, 2023
S2 E6 The Trojans: 17314 AISAKOS
In this special series, Tales of the NIght Sky takes you into the heart of a large group of asteroids that orbit with Jupiter around the sun. These two camps of heavenly bodies - the Greeks leading and the Trojans trailing Jupiter - are known as the Trojan asteroids. Each identified asteroid is named after a protagonist in Homer’s Iliad. And these characters find themselves locked in orbit, endlessly reliving the trauma of war.
This original series was co-created with Chris Mack and KJ Dwyer.
And the original concept was sparked off in our writers' group, run by Chris Mack.
In the first of the Trojans, the seer Aisakos interprets Queen Hecuba’s dream.
Starring Ciaran Cresswell.
Written and directed by Bibi Jacob.
Introduction written by KJ Dywer and Bibi Jacob.
Sound and production by Geoff Chong.
Useful sources for this episode: theoi.com , spannycattroy.livejournal.com
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Mar 31, 2023
S2 E5 Helen: The Constellation of Cygnus
She was known as Helen of Sparta until her face launched a thousand ships and started the Trojan War. Now Helen of Troy examines the multiple versions of her life - sifting through the beauty and sorrow - as the battle rages on outside.
Written and directed by Bibi Jacob.
Starring Hester Wilcox as Helen.
Original violin, vocal and bodhrán compositions written and performed by Chloe Dunn.
Sound and production by Geoff Chong.
If you want to listen to more of Chloe Dunn’s beautiful music, click on the links:
becaflor.com / Bècaflor Teaser
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Mar 24, 2023
S2 E4 Themis & Astraea: The Constellation of Virgo
Where is Justice? Who is she? And what does she have to do with the Trojan war?
Written and directed by Bibi Jacob.
Starring Sandy Bernard and Bibi Jacob.
Sound and production by Geoff Chong.
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Feb 25, 2023
S2 E3 Eos: The Dawn
Can Eos, goddess of the dawn, really love the Trojan prince Tithonus for all eternity?
Written and narrated by Bibi Jacob.
Sound and production by Geoff Chong.
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Jan 15, 2023
S2 Bonus Episode: Delphinus, Dionysus & Arion
The party in the sea realm is fizzling out and the gossip Kat* finds herself left behind by her friend Lalli.* While looking for him, she stumbles upon a terrible truth.
*KATALALIA meaning gossip or defamation in Ancient Greek.
Written by Morag Cross.
Starring Morag Cross as Kat.
Featuring Nigel Pilkington and Doug Rand.
Directed by Bibi Jacob.
Production and sound by Geoff Chong.
All ‘Kithara’ strumming by Morag Cross.
The sea shanty is an original violin and vocal composition written and performed by Chloe Dunn and remixed by Geoff Chong.
The track, ‘Ain’t Nobody’s Business,’ is by the Underscore Orkestra.
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Dec 29, 2022
S2 E2 Thetis & Amphitrite: The Constellation of Delphinus
It's party time in the sea realm - the Nereid Amphitrite is about to wed Poseidon - but she’s having second thoughts. Can her sister Thetis persuade her to tie the knot in time? And what’s really behind the ominous rumours the party guests are spreading?
This episode was written and directed by Bibi Jacob.
Production and sound design by Geoff Chong.
It stars:
Sharon Mann as Thetis.
Elizabeth Wautlet as Amphitrite.
Sandy Bernard as Doto.
Nigel Pilkington and Morag Cross as the Gossips, Lalli and Kat.
Doug Rand as Peleus.
Dharni Mistry as the child.
Bibi Jacob and Doug Rand as party guests.
The actors recorded in studios in both Paris and London.
A huge thank you to Marie Prevost at Voice Addict Studio, Paris, for her support.
And thank you to Nigel Pilkington for the London recording.
And an enormous thank you to the wonderful Underscore Orkestra - https://www.theunderscoreorkestra.com - for permission to use their music. These tracks feature at the party:
Swing Git…
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Nov 30, 2022
S2 E1 Ganymede: The Constellation of Aquarius
Ganymede, Prince of Troy, shuns the company of men and only finds pleasure in nature. But when his exceptional beauty comes to the attention of men and gods, his life will never be the same.
This episode was written and performed by Mitchell Moreno.
Direction by Bibi Jacob.
Sound and production by Geoff Chong.
Recorded in the studio of the National Theatre, London with Richard Coleby as sound engineer.
Thanks to Suzanne Diakun.
And thanks to Michel - for his help - and Jean René at Studio Scopitone, Paris.
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Jan 30, 2022
Bonus Episode: Zagreus
In this, the final episode of Season 1, discover the surprising and shocking myth of Zagreus, the horned baby. Sensitive listeners be warned: the story contains violence and allusions to incest and rape.
Adapted, narrated and directed by Bibi Jacob. Original music, sound and production by Geoff Chong. Extracts of Chloe Dunn’s music from the Persephone and Orpheus episode feature in the outro.
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Oct 31, 2021
16 Orpheus & Persephone: The Constellation of Lyra, Part 2
Persephone, Queen of the Underworld, recounts Orpheus’ extraordinary descent into her kingdom and her own shocking abduction.
Written and directed by Bibi Jacob.
Sound and production by Geoff Chong.
Starring Chloe Dunn as Persephone and Chris Mack as Hermes.
Original violin, viola and vocal compositions written and performed by Chloe Dunn.
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Jul 24, 2021
15 Hermes: The Constellation of Lyra, Part 1
No sooner is he born than Baby Hermes leaps out of his cradle and embarks on a slapstick adventure to charm his way into the Olympian pantheon.
Written and directed by Bibi Jacob.
Production and sound by Geoff Chong.
Starring:
Chris Mack as Hermes.
Margeaux Lampley as Maia.
Kester Lovelace as Apollo.
Joseph Marshall as the farmer.
And Dario Costa as Zeus.
Thanks, as ever, to Jean-Paul Palmyre for his support.
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Jun 7, 2021
14 Deltoton: The Constellation of Triangulum
Hermes tries to make some order in the night sky in spite of Zeus’ meddling. Centuries later the Starlink mega-constellations disrupt everything….
Starring Chris Mack as Hermes and Dario Costa as Zeus.
Written and directed by Bibi Jacob.
Production and sound by Geoff Chong.
A big thank you to Jean-Paul Palmyre at Studio Quali’sons, Paris.
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Apr 30, 2021
13 Via Lactea: The Milky Way
Hera, the Queen of the Gods, is having trouble with her afternoon nap. One by one the memories of her husband’s betrayals return, building a devastating portrait of a dysfunctional marriage.
(This story - like so many Greek myths - contains references to assault and violence.)
Starring Natasha Cashman as Hera.
Featuring Dario Costa as Zeus.
Written, directed and presented by Bibi Jacob.
Production and sound design by Geoff Chong.
Enormous thanks to Jean-Paul Palmyre at Studio Quali’sons, Paris.
The Ovid quote comes from Vol. 1 of Frank Justus Miller’s translation of ‘The Metamorphoses’ published by the Loeb Classical Library.
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Mar 21, 2021
12 Equus Primus: The Constellation of Equuleus
**SPOILER ALERT** This is an unofficial constellation myth!
A strange phone call in the middle of the night leads to a conversation with a constellation.
Written, directed and presented by Bibi Jacob.
A big thank you to Mateo Oxley for his collaboration on the story.
Starring Mateo Oxley as Equuleus.
And featuring Geoff Chong.
Production and sound design by Geoff Chong.
Ian Ridpath’s Star Myths was a very helpful source.
For a list of other sources you can visit our website.
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Feb 14, 2021
11 The Constellation of Pegasus
Fly with me into this tapestry of tales, to mountains full of mythical beings. The winged horse Pegasus, the Muses, some gods, a centaur, the Chimaera, an anti-hero and a gadfly await you.
This episode was written by Morag Cross.
Directed and narrated by Bibi Jacob.
Production and sound design by Geoff Chong.
Starring Morag Cross as Hippe and the Gadfly.
Gordon Peaston as Chiron.
Dario Costa as Poseidon.
And Sharon Mann as Athena.
The Ukelele was played by Morag Cross.
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Jan 18, 2021
10 Apollo’s Arrow: The Constellations of Sagitta and Ara
An eclectic episode about plagues, magical arrows, cyclops and writer’s block.
Written and presented by Bibi Jacob.
Production and sound design by Geoff Chong.
Much of the information about Abaris comes from kiwihellenist.blogspot.com
Thanks to Pål Martin Tvete for recommending Tim Harford’s ‘Cautionary Tales’.
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Dec 20, 2020
09 Asclepius: The Constellations of Ophiuchus and Serpens
Enter the realm of dreams with Asclepius as he has to make the most difficult decision of his life. A decision that may lead to his death.
Starring David Stanley as Asclepius, Sharon Mann as Athena, Bibi Jacob as Hygeia, Morag Cross as the Attendant, Chris Mack as Theseus, Gordon Peaston as Chiron, Christina Batman as Panacea
Written, directed and presented by Bibi Jacob.
Production, sound design by Geoff Chong.
This podcast was made possible with the support of Studio Quali’sons, Paris. A huge thank you, as ever, to Jean-Paul Palmyre.
A big thanks to Morag Cross.
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Oct 31, 2020
08 Coronis: The Constellation of Corvus
Corvus, the crow, is set to watch Apollo’s lover, the Princess Coronis. But when boundaries are transgressed, the consequences are gruesome in this tale of jealousy, rage and regret.
Starring Nigel Pilkington as Corvus
Written, directed and presented by Bibi Jacob. Production and sound design by Geoff Chong
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Sep 30, 2020
Bonus episode: Creusa’s Diary
What happened to the two drops of blood Erichthonius received from Athena? This intimate and moving diary reveals all.
Starring Morag Cross as Creusa
Oboe playing by Morag Cross
Written, directed and presented by Bibi Jacob
Production and sound design by Geoff Chong
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Aug 4, 2020
07 Erichthonius: The Constellation of Auriga
A gold-tipped arrow, a gilded casket, a snake-tailed child and two drops of the gorgon’s blood.
The goddess Athena narrates her tale of love and power.
Starring Sharon Mann as Athena
With Dario Costa as Hephaestus and Homer, Morag Cross as Daughter 2 and Bibi Jacob as Erichthonius and Daughter 1
Written and directed by Bibi Jacob. Production and sound design by Geoff Chong
Special thanks to Christine Hooper and to Jean-Paul Palmyre
Recorded at Studio Quali’sons, Paris (Morag Cross recorded in London)
Quote from Martin Hammond’s translation of Homer’s Iliad (4.17)
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Jun 22, 2020
Bonus Episode: The Complaint of Perseus
Perseus is not happy and he’s about to tell you why.
Starring Doug Rand as Perseus
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Jun 11, 2020
06 Andromeda Part 2: Constellations of the Perseus Family
How does the celebrated Ancient Greek hero, Perseus, change the course of Andromeda’s destiny and seal Medusa’s fate? And what does it really mean to be a hero?
With Sharon Mann as Athena, Chris Mack as Hermes, Hester Wilcox as Danaë, Dario Costa as King Polydectes
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Apr 29, 2020
05 Medusa: The Constellation of Perseus
At the heart of the Perseus-Andromeda myth lies the strange story of Medusa. In this in-between episode, enter Medusa’s cave, at the ends of the earth, to find out if she really was a monster.
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Mar 18, 2020
04 Andromeda Part 1: Constellations of the Perseus Family
Sit with Andromeda in the face of her oncoming death and witness her final moments.
Her parents - King Cepheus and Queen Cassiopea - are organising their daughter’s demise. Will Vanity triumph over Love?
An electrifying retelling of one of the most famous Greek myths.
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Feb 2, 2020
03 Cynosura: The Constellation of Ursa Minor
Who on earth was Ursa Minor before she became a constellation? Find out in this light-hearted interview.
With Shelly De Vito as the talk show host and Bibi Jacob as the Little Bear.
Song written and performed by Bibi Jacob
Special thanks to Jean-Paul (for being a star)
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Dec 2, 2019
02 Arcas: The Constellation of Boötes
As if Callisto’s own life wasn’t tragic enough, in this episode we discover the horror that her baby son, Arcas, suffered. A tale of infanticide and cannibalism originating from the sins of the fathers.
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Dec 2, 2019
01 Callisto: The Constellation of Ursa Major
Discover the story behind one of the best known constellations: Ursa Major, the Great Bear. This is the tale of Callisto, an Arcadian princess, who follows her dreams only to find herself confronting tragedy after tragedy. Listen to Callisto recount her devastating story, her painful metamorphosis and her astonishing, final transformation.
With: Emily Ingham, Elizabeth Ingham, Shelly DeVito
A huge thank you to Shelly, Jean-Paul and Mitchell
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Dec 1, 2019
Introducing: Tales of the Night Sky
This trailer introduces you to our immersive audio drama podcast.
Created by Bibi Jacob and Geoff Chong.
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