Art, in all the wrong places

A comedic game show called You've Got to Be Kidding Me tests contestants' knowledge of a dystopian society's new constitution and the decrees of their Glorious Supreme President.

When I created this for the Silver Sound Biannual Sonic Dash competition in January 2025, it sounded like something fun and out of this world. 

By May 2025, in the US, they are talking about having people compete for a green card by taking part in a quiz show. Yes, it is depressing. And no, if someone had asked me, I would have chosen a different audio creation to be transformed into reality.

Anyway, the piece was created from scratch within 48 hours in response to a prompt emailed to participants on Friday, January 3rd, 2025. 

All sounds and music in the audio drama were created by me and the rest of my family (my son Romeo and my husband Gianfranco) without any external support or pre-existing materials. None of us can compose music-the theme song is simply us singing. 

One funny bit trivia: all finalists met for a collective listening session on January 6th (does this date ring a bell?), and my entry was the only one dealing with contemporary politics and also the only one from Italy (that I know of).

Written and produced by M. Cristina Marras

Voices: Romeo M. Minutolo (the amazing Quiz Master); Gianfranco Bitti (the lucky Giuseppe); M. Cristina Marras (the wise but not so good after all Maria).

Image Freepik www.freepik.com

What is Art, in all the wrong places?

Characters who can't always be trusted. Because they often don't see the difference between sound and noise, between countryside and abandoned building, between fiction and reality.
I explore sound, speak languages and talk to strangers. This is my work.
AIR Member. www.cristinamarras.com

QUIZ MASTER
Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!
Our two contestants today – Let’s meet Maria AND Giuseppe! You know the rules: answer more questions than your opponent to…

QUIZ MASTER AND AUDIENCE
SNATCH THAT GREEN PASS!

QUIZ MASTER
First question, when did our Glorious Supreme President decide to be 'democratically elected'?

GIUSEPPE
I know this! I know this! 6th of January!

QUIZ MASTER
Nope!

MARIA
There is no date because time starts with the Glorious Supreme President!

QUIZ MASTER
CORRECT! Second question! According to the new-new constitution, what is the punishment for treason against the nation?

GIUSEPPE
Uhmmm… is it life in prison?

QUIZ MASTER
WRONG again Giuseppe! Maria…?

MARIA
The punishment for treason against the nation is whatever the Glorious Supreme President wants!

QUIZ MASTER
Well done Maria! Last question! Ready? What are the three pillars upon which our glorious Glorious Supreme President has installed his power?

GIUSEPPE
Uhmmm… Freedom – Fairness - Humanity?

QUIZ MASTER
Giuseppe, Giuseppe, Giuseppe…
Maria…?

MARIA
The three pillars are: Be More Smarter…?

QUIZ MASTER
CORRECT! And this brings this episode to an end! With three incorrect answers the green pass is snatched by Giuseppe who will be allowed to stay in our glorious nation, while Maria, you’ll have to leave!

MARIA
YOU’VE GOT TO BE KIDDING ME!