American Music and Popular Culture — Rock 'n' Roll — A folk art born and living out its entire existence at the height of commercialism, rock 'n' roll is the first popular music idiom where the intended market is defined by age rather than race or geographic location. A synthesis of rhythm and blues and country music characteristics, this music of the "disenfranchised, rebellious youth" was destined to change the nature of the recording industry forever. ABC Radio National, Thursday, May 12, 11.05am.
Back Catalogue — The Thousand Greatest Songs — Part six of the continuing countdown of US rock critic Dave Marsh's selection of the greatest rock 'n' roll songs. This program presents artists such as the Beatles, the Byrds, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Count Five and the Searchers. 2NUR-FM, Friday, May 13, 7.30pm.
Saturday Opera — La Boheme — One of the best operas of our time, La Boheme is a colourful opera in which Puccini brings to life the romantic and precarious existence of four young Bohemians and their lust for life and love. The opera was recorded by the ABC in Hobart last July. ABC Classic FM, Saturday, May 14, 2pm.
Radio-Eye — Running up a Frock — There was a time not so long ago when dressmaking was considered an essential skill for a woman. Not only was it a creative outlet for those not in paid employment, but it also saw families through hard times. Dressmaking was once an avenue to economic independence for women. Today changing work patterns mean that most women don't have time to run up a frock, nor to pass the craft on to their daughters. Both the craft and the once commonplace sewing machine are on the decline. Novelist Carmel Bird explores sewing and the language of sexuality; the program also includes interviews with artist Jenny Kee; Nola Lowe, dressmaker for the film Strictly Ballroom; and Fabian Lo Schiavo, Mother Abyss of the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence. ABC Radio National, Sunday, May 15, 8.20pm.
Soundstage — Blood Wedding — By Frederico Garcia Lorca, this tragedy, set in rural Spain, is on the theme of honour, tradition and the rule of passion. Lorca wrote the play in 1933; three years later the poet and dramatist was murdered by Franco's fascists at the outbreak of the Spanish civil war. This modern classic, adapted from stage to screen and now to radio, is set in Andalusia in 1926. On her wedding day the bride elopes with her former lover. The bridegroom, urged on by his mother, pursues the lovers through the night seeking revenge. ABC Classic FM, Tuesday, May 17, 8pm.