Best Laid Schemes

10/05/22 • 27 min

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Invited to a "Predator/Prey Summit," Lion, Gazelle, Polar Bear, Seal, Crocodile, and Pelican must decide if they are willing to make peace or tear one another to pieces.
Adapted from the short story published in Ferocious Quarterly, Best Laid Schemes was inspired by a work of art by illustrator Emory Allen and a poem by Robert Burns–the same poem from which John Steinbeck borrowed the title of Of Mice and Men. The editors of Ferocious Quarterly paired me with Emory for the issue “Be Prepared.” His illustration was so perfect, I wrote the first draft in one sitting. That was ten years ago. This version includes an alternate ending that is maybe a little less bleak.
“Best Laid Schemes” was written and directed by Michael Mau

STARRING
Sandie Keane as the Narrator,
Reagan Prumm as Lion
Brian Wiggins as Seal
Toni Poe as Gazelle
Misti Medders as Pelican
Ryan Gaiser as Crocodile
Kymberley Cochrane as Polar Bear
Aivi Dam as Mouse
Michael Mau as Man

To find out more about our cast, to read the original short stories, or donate to the show so we can make an unforgettable second season, visit us at ablindplaypodcast.com or on Instagram @mauhausproductions.

All episodes directed and edited by Michael Mau
Original Music by Trevor Tremaine
Podcast cover art created by Geneva Hicks

You can leave a note for a writer or cast member. Click here to text the show.

All episodes directed and edited by Michael Mau
Original Music by Trevor Tremaine
Podcast cover art created by Geneva Hicks

Previous Episode

A Blind Play of Social Forces

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Following a bigoted lesson on the September 11 tragedy, Sara is brutally attacked by a classmate. As school officials downplay the incident, the teacher who inspired the violence defends his backward beliefs.
“ A Blind Play Of Social Forces” is adapted from an unpublished story originally written in 2014 and performed as a staged reading. It is based on several accounts of bullying which took place in American schools between 2001 and 2014. However, Mr. Avery, the middle-school social studies teacher who inspires the hate crime at the heart of the story, is based on a real teacher with whom I attended grad school. Many of his words are echoes of words spoken in class by the real Mr. Avery. This episode deals with violence against children. As they say, parental discretion is advised.

Written and directed by Michael MauSTARRING
Yosra Zekry as Sara,
Pascal Casimier as David,
Malya Muth as Mrs. Sterner,
Andressa Da Silva as Ms. Price,
Olya Aman as Maryam,
Rich Greene as Mr. Avery.

Sound effects courtesy of Pixabay.
Additional Music by Kevin McLeod. All link’s to the music are below.

The following music was used for this media project:
Music: Almost New by Kevin MacLeod
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/3353-almost-new
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Artist website: https://incompetech.com
Music: Daytime TV Theme by Kevin MacLeod
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/3622-daytime-tv-theme
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Artist website: https://incompetech.com
Music: Cheery Monday by Kevin MacLeod
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/3495-cheery-monday
License (CC BY 4.0): https://filmmusic.io/standard-license
Artist website: https://incompetech.com
Happy Alley by Kevin MacLeod
Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/3851-happy-alley
License: https://filmmusic.io/standard-license

Music: Gymnopedie No. 1 by Kevin MacLeod
Free download: https://filmmusic.io/song/3837-gymnopedie-no-1
License (CC BY 4

All episodes directed and edited by Michael Mau
Original Music by Trevor Tremaine
Podcast cover art created by Geneva Hicks

Next Episode

Season Two Teaser

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This season on a Blind Play of Social Forces:

BEST LAUNDERETTE:
THE MAN FROM THE EGG
LEFT & LEAVING
THIS IS OUR NORTH DAKOTA
GINA #ENGENDERED
SLEEPWALKER X
MARLBOROS, THE KING, AND 8 O’CLOCK BEAN
GREETINGS FROM HAITI
HOTEL DEL SOL
ANOINT YOUR ENGINE FOR A HEAVENLY RIDE
TEN SECONDS
SIGNS

Starting May 4 and every Thursday after that, we will bring you ten more stories focused on damaged relationships and lonely people looking for wholeness. In other words, humans.

You can find out more about our cast and crew at ablindplaypodcast.com or on Instagram @mauhausproductions

If you haven’t clicked the follow button on this app, do it now. Each episode will be waiting for you when you wake up on Thursday. Plus, you can go back and listen to Season One. Rate and Review the show, and share with friends who love great stories.

If you have any writers in your life, we are hosting a contest to find the best stories for season three. New voices, new genres, new life. Find out more at ablindplaypodcast.com

Until Next Week...

All episodes directed and edited by Michael Mau
Original Music by Trevor Tremaine
Podcast cover art created by Geneva Hicks