Chatterbox Audio Theater has released its two productions of Guy de Maupassant’s “The Necklace” that was adapted for audio and directed by Dr. Shira Malkin, associate professor of French at Rhodes, and alumna Karen Strachan ’02. It is Chatterbox′s first-ever dual-language release and a result of a collaboration with Rhodes’ Department of Modern Languages and Literatures.
The cast features Laura Loth, assistant professor of French, and former members of the department including Margaret McColley and 2011-2012 teaching assistant from Paris Iris Laverdant as well as Alex Novikoff who taught in the history department. The producer is Rhodes alumnus Bob Arnold ’02 who launched Chatterbox six years ago on Sept. 14, 2007. Malkin is writing a French PDF guide of the production that teachers can incorporate in their classrooms.
“The Necklace” (in French “La Parure”) tells the story of a woman who dreams of wealth and prominence and borrows a dazzling diamond necklace in order to fit in with high society. It was first published in 1884 in the French daily newspaper Le Gaulois and became an instant hit because of its vivid characters and surprising ending.
Chatterbox Audio Theater offers free downloads of its productions with each recording lasting about 20 minutes.
Listen to the production in English.
Listen to the production in French.