New Music Australia — With John Crawford. David Chesworth is a composer gaining in popularity, especially since his piece Recital has been performed the world over. The ABC commissioned a new piece from Chesworth called Exotica, and this program plays the nine melodically rich works. It will also present a profile of Chesworth. ABC Classic FM, Wednesday, May 25, 9.30pm.
That's History — People of the Cross — The final episode, in which long-term resident Jack "Hollywood" Sherrett tells the second part of his life story as a thief and SP bookie's helper. Having lived 60 years in Kings Cross, Jack offers pithy insights into the changes on the streets. He died shortly after this interview. ABC Radio National, Friday, May 27, 7.10pm.
Back Catalogue — 1979: The Year in Music — A review of the more interesting and hard-to-get album releases from '79, featuring JJ Cale, the Dirt Band, Lowell George, Robert Palmer and ,from Australia, Mondo Rock, Marc Hunter, Ray Arnott and more. 2NUR-FM, Friday, May 27, 7.30pm.
Bob Dylan Birthday Special — Since 1985, 2SER-FM has been celebrating the birthday of Bob Dylan with radio parties. The Dylan birthday marathon spawned the Dylan Quiz, two national Dylan conventions, monthly meetings and a quarterly publication. This year's program will include a one-hour special on transsexuality and cross-dressing in the lyrics of Bob: "I'm not fooled by Tweeter's curl, I knew him long before he ever became a Jersey Girl". 2SER-FM, Saturday, May 28, 10pm-2am.
Radio-Eye — Radio Nova — Radio Nova built its reputation on breaking the rules of broadcasting. Star presenters had no place in its format; in fact, there were no presenters at all. That was 12 years ago when the station was launched, forging close links with French youth culture, fighting racism and serving as a laboratory for all forms of musical expression. Lately the revolution has soured, although Radio Nova still presents itself as a people's station. Only small parts of the original concept remain. The despair of the station's originator is a foil for the enthusiasm of the young team who run it today. ABC Radio National, Sunday, May 29, 8.20pm.
Soundstage — The Lady from the Sea — By Henrik Ibsen. When her long-ago sailor lover reappears, Elida is faced with a choice between lover and duty, freedom and responsibility. Only when her husband gives her the freedom to choose can she do so responsibly. Meanwhile Elida's stepdaughters are also faced with crucial choices. ABC Classic FM, Tuesday, May 31, 8pm.
Maree Walk. Walk's tense psycho-drama Forensic examines the thoughts and feelings of a teenage killer, the man who tries to help him and his victim's mother. ABC Radio National, Sunday, May 29, 3.05pm. Photo by Mick Houlbrook.