Listening

Press, 18 November 1981, Page 15

Listening

companist is Colleen RaeGerrard.' Outer life Though there is little evi- ■ dence to prove it, many astronomers are sure in their bones that life exists and is widespread in the universe. What makes them so certain? How can we tell? In the 8.8. C. programme on Concert at 8.43 tonight these questions are discussed with a science journalist and the electronics engineer who is vice-president of the British Interplanetary Society. Radio play The play, “The Passionate Silence,” by Philip Mincher is a study of Brian, who lives for music, though not inherently musically gifted (National, 8.45 p.m.). As a child he “finds himself” in music, retreating into its world to escape the tragic realities of existence as he grows older. He learns to share his love of music with Linda, the woman who loves and understands him. They marry and are happy, and have two children whom Brian initially tries to push into music, hoping to realise through one or other his dream of a life devoted to music. Gradually he realises he is going deaf, needing all the understanding his family can give. By the end of the play he is completely deaf. “The Passionate Silence” was produced by Aileen O’Sullivan in Auckland, and stars George Henare. Donna Akersten takes the role of Linda.’