Cygnet & Swan presents RavenMad

An injured Lord arrives at an abandoned chateau and discovers a room filled with incredible art, including a mysterious and compelling portrait of a beautiful young woman.Watch our film adaptation of this story on Cygnet & Swan's YouTube channel now! CREATIVE TEAMDirector . . . Olivia FrenchSound Editor . . . Elizabeth BradfordScript Adaptation . . . Alexandra MeerbachMusical Director . . . Marli van der BijlComposer . . . Marais van den BergCASTNarrator . . . Jack EmondSister . . . Clare HamerArtist . . . James WaitValet . . . Kyle RobinsonLady Visitor . . . Clara DavoineLord Visitor . . . JagarajPRODUCTION TEAMProducer . . . Cygnet & Swan ProductionsCo-Creators & Creative Directors . . . Olivia French and Alexandra MeerbachProduction Managers . . . Alexandra Meerbach and Elizabeth BradfordMusical Consultant . . . Marli van der BijlTheme Composer . . . Matt ShawMarketing Coordinator . . . Elizabeth BradfordRavenMad is proudly supported by the Ballarat Arts Foundation, as the grateful recipient of the 2021 Jack Anderson Film Award grant.We wish to acknowledge the Wadawurrung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin nations, and the Khoi-San people of Southern Africa, the Traditional Owners of the land upon which our podcast was produced and recorded. We recognise their continuing connection to the land and waterways, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend this respect to all First Nations peoples.Visit the RavenMad website to read more about our production or follow us on Instagram or Facebook for the latest updates.You can also sign up to our mailing list to find out about our other projects in development.If you love our podcast, you can support us by purchasing from our RedBubble store. 

A gallant knight sets out on an epic quest to find the legendary city of Eldorado.Watch our film adaptation of this poem on Cygnet & Swan's YouTube channel now!CREATIVE TEAMDirector . . . Alexandra MeerbachSound Editor . . . Elizabeth BradfordComposer . . . Matt ShawCASTNarrator . . . Clare HamerThe Knight . . . Barry KayThe Shadow . . . Sasha CuhaPRODUCTION TEAMProducer . . . Cygnet & Swan ProductionsCo-Creators & Creative Directors . . . Olivia French and Alexandra MeerbachProduction Managers . . . Alexandra Meerbach and Elizabeth BradfordMusical Consultant . . . Marli van der BijlTheme Composer . . . Matt ShawMarketing Coordinator . . . Elizabeth BradfordRavenMad is proudly supported by the Ballarat Arts Foundation, as the grateful recipient of the 2021 Jack Anderson Film Award grant.We wish to acknowledge the Wadawurrung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin nations, the Traditional Owners of the land upon which our podcast was produced and recorded. We recognise their continuing connection to the land and waterways, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend this respect to all First Nations peoples.Visit the RavenMad website to read more about our production or follow us on Instagram or Facebook for the latest updates.You can also sign up to our mailing list to find out about our other projects in development.If you love our podcast, you can support us by purchasing from our RedBubble store. 

Set in an Italian city at carnival time, a man takes revenge on a long time friend.Watch our film adaptation of this story on Cygnet & Swan's YouTube channel now!CREATIVE TEAMDirector . . . Olivia FrenchSound Editor . . . Jacob ThompsonCASTNarrator / Montressor . . . Sebastiano PitruzelloFortunato . . . JagarajPRODUCTION TEAMProducer . . . Cygnet & Swan ProductionsCo-Creators & Creative Directors . . . Olivia French and Alexandra MeerbachProduction Managers . . . Alexandra Meerbach and Elizabeth BradfordMusical Consultant . . . Marli van der BijlTheme Composer . . . Matt ShawMarketing Coordinator . . . Elizabeth BradfordRavenMad is proudly supported by the Ballarat Arts Foundation, as the grateful recipient of the 2021 Jack Anderson Film Award grant.We wish to acknowledge the Wadawurrung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin nations, the Traditional Owners of the land upon which our podcast was produced and recorded. We recognise their continuing connection to the land and waterways, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend this respect to all First Nations peoples.Visit the RavenMad website to read more about our production or follow us on Instagram or Facebook for the latest updates.You can also sign up to our mailing list to find out about our other projects in development.If you love our podcast, you can support us by purchasing from our RedBubble store. 

A poem that describes a city of sin, ruled by Death, which sinks to the bottom of the sea.  This piece will be performed in choral by our skilled sirens of the sea.Watch our film adaptation of this poem on Cygnet & Swan's YouTube channel now!CREATIVE TEAMDirector . . . Alexandra MeerbachSound Editor . . . Elizabeth BradfordComposer . . . Matt ShawCASTSirens . . . Lana Lunacy, Ebony McClain and Marli van der BijlPRODUCTION TEAMProducer . . . Cygnet & Swan ProductionsCo-Creators & Creative Directors . . . Olivia French and Alexandra MeerbachProduction Managers . . . Alexandra Meerbach and Elizabeth BradfordMusical Consultant . . . Marli van der BijlTheme Composer . . . Matt ShawMarketing Coordinator . . . Elizabeth BradfordRavenMad is proudly supported by the Ballarat Arts Foundation, as the grateful recipient of the 2021 Jack Anderson Film Award grant.We wish to acknowledge the Wadawurrung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin nations, the Traditional Owners of the land upon which our podcast was produced and recorded. We recognise their continuing connection to the land and waterways, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend this respect to all First Nations peoples.Visit the RavenMad website to read more about our production or follow us on Instagram or Facebook for the latest updates.You can also sign up to our mailing list to find out about our other projects in development.If you love our podcast, you can support us by purchasing from our RedBubble store. 

Join our creative directors, Olivia French and Alexandra Meerbach, as they discuss their motivations behind entering the world of Poe and gothic literature, as well as unravelling their chaotic creativity in the first four adaptations of our RavenMad project.If you enjoyed this bonus episode and would like us to do more, let us know! Leave a review or a rating on your podcast streaming platform or connect with us on social media.This episode was produced by Olivia French with Elizabeth Bradford. Our theme is by composer, Matt Shaw. This episode features soundbites from our adaptations of The Oval Portrait, Eldorado, The Cask of Amontillado and The City in the Sea with actors Jack Emond, Clare Hamer, Barry Kay, Sebastiano Pitruzello, Jagaraj, Lana Lunacy, Ebony McClain and Marli van der Bijl.RavenMad is proudly supported by the Ballarat Arts Foundation as the grateful recipient of the 2021 Jack Anderson Film Award grant.Cygnet & Swan wish to acknowledge the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin nations, the Traditional Owners of the land upon which our podcast was produced and this episode was recorded. We recognise their continuing connection to the land and waterways, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.Attributions for this production can be found here.

A love story cut tragically short. A young man laments the loss of the beautiful Annabel Lee, whom he loves still, even in death. Thank you for joining us for an episode of RavenMad, a Cygnet & Swan production. The poem ‘Annabel Lee’ was originally written by Edgar Allan Poe. This adaptation was directed by Mary-Rose McLaren with sound design by Elizabeth Bradford and prepared for production by Alexandra Meerbach. 'Piano Sonata No. 14' was composed by Ludwig van Beethoven and performed for this episode by Marais van den Berg. Theme composed by Matt Shaw.This episode features the voice of Sasha Cuha as the Narrator.RavenMad is proudly supported by the Ballarat Arts Foundation as the grateful recipient of the 2021 Jack Anderson Film Award grant.Cygnet & Swan wish to acknowledge the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin nations, the Traditional Owners of the land upon which our podcast was produced. We also acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Wadawurrung people of Australia and the Khoi-San people of Southern Africa, the Traditional Owners of the land upon which this episode was recorded. We recognise their continuing connection to the land and waterways, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

An old man recounts a fateful evening from his youth: on a dreary December evening, he was tormented by a raven who could speak but one word, ‘Nevermore’. This poem tells of his descent into an all consuming grief over the loss of his beloved Lenore. Thank you for joining us for an episode of RavenMad, a Cygnet & Swan production. ‘The Raven’ was originally written by Edgar Allan Poe. This adaptation is directed by Alexandra Meerbach with sound design by Jacob Thompson and script adaptations by Alexandra Meerbach. Theme composed by Matt Shaw.This episode features the voices of Barry Kay as the Narrator, Jack Emond as the Grieving Man and Sasha Cuha as the Raven.RavenMad is proudly supported by the Ballarat Arts Foundation as the grateful recipient of the 2021 Jack Anderson Film Award grant.Cygnet & Swan wish to acknowledge the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin nations, the Traditional Owners of the land upon which our podcast was produced. We also acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Wadawurrung people, the Traditional Owners of the land upon which this episode was recorded. We recognise their continuing connection to the land and waterways, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.Visit the RavenMad website to read more about our production or follow us on Instagram or Facebook for the latest updates. If you love our podcast, you can support us by purchasing from the Cygnet & Swan RedBubble store. You can also sign up to the Cygnet & Swan mailing list to find out about our other projects in development.

As a plague ravages the country, an arrogant young prince retreats to his secluded abbey to host a series of lavish parties for his wealthy noble friends. But the pestilence cannot be shut out and the Red Death stalks the richly gilded halls.Thank you for joining us for an episode of RavenMad, a Cygnet & Swan production. ‘The Masque of the Red Death’ was originally written by Edgar Allan Poe. This adaptation was directed by Olivia French with sound design and musical direction by Marli van der Bijl, editing by Elizabeth Bradford, music composition by Marais ven den Berg and script adaptation by Alexandra Meerbach. Our theme is by composer, Matt Shaw.This episode features the voices of Alexandra Meerbach as the Narrator, James Wait as Prince Prospero and Clare Hamer, Paul Robers, Zoe James, James Wait, Olivia French, Alexandra Meerbach and Marli Van Der Bijl as the revellers.RavenMad is proudly supported by the Ballarat Arts Foundation as the grateful recipient of the 2021 Jack Anderson Film Award grant.Cygnet & Swan wish to acknowledge the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin nations, the Traditional Owners of the land upon which our podcast was produced. We also acknowledge the Wadawurrung people of Australia and the Khoi-San people of Southern Africa, the Traditional Owners of the land upon which this episode was recorded. We recognise their continuing connection to the land and waterways, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.Visit the RavenMad website to read more about our production or follow us on Instagram or Facebook for the latest updates. If you love our podcast, you can support us by purchasing from the Cygnet & Swan RedBubble store. You can also sign up to the Cygnet & Swan mailing list to find out about our other projects in development.

Desperate to prove their sanity, an unnamed Narrator recounts the events which drove them to commit an unspeakable act.Thank you for joining us for an episode of RavenMad, a Cygnet & Swan production. ‘The Tell-Tale Heart’ was originally written by Edgar Allan Poe. This adaptation was directed by Alexandra Meerbach with sound design by Marli van der Bijl, music by Matt Shaw and script adaptations by Alexandra Meerbach.This episode is narrated by Olivia French and features the voice of Barry Kay as the Old Man with Gabriel Blake and James Wait as the policemen.RavenMad is proudly supported by the Ballarat Arts Foundation as the grateful recipient of the 2021 Jack Anderson Film Award grant.Cygnet & Swan wish to acknowledge the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin nations, the Traditional Owners of the land upon which our podcast was produced. We also acknowledge the Wadawurrung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people, the Traditional Owners of the land upon which this episode was recorded. We recognise their continuing connection to the land and waterways, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

A melodic poem of ringing and resounding, tolling and rolling, pealing and knelling bells. These clamouring sounds build and personify bell sounds as symbols of four milestones of human experience—childhood, youth, maturity, and death.Thank you for joining us for an episode of RavenMad, a Cygnet & Swan production. ‘The Bells’ was originally written by Edgar Allan Poe. This adaptation was directed and edited by Alexandra Meerbach with Elizabeth Bradford and sound design by Michael Groth. Our theme is by composer, Matt Shaw.This episode features the voices of the Mad Swan Harmonics choral speaking choir: Gabriel Blake, Alexandra Meerbach, Emma Hampson, Amber Jones, Skye Wilkins, Zoe James, Eloise McGifford, Lilly Jones and Georgia Marshall.RavenMad is proudly supported by the Ballarat Arts Foundation as the grateful recipient of the 2021 Jack Anderson Film Award grant.Cygnet & Swan wish to acknowledge the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin nations, the Traditional Owners of the land upon which our podcast was produced. We also acknowledge the Wadawurrung people, the Traditional Owners of the land upon which this episode was recorded. We recognise their continuing connection to the land and waterways, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.Attributions for this production can be found here.

Creative directors Olivia French and Alexandra Meerbach return to the mic by popular demand (read: one person). They delve into Edgar Allan Poe’s dark, grief-filled personal history and consider the events that likely had significant impacts upon his writing. They also discuss the literary devices masterfully employed by Poe and analyse the most recently released poetry and prose adaptations.What would you like to hear in another episode of Ravin’ and Ramblin’? As accomplished theatre makers and literary nerds, Alex and Olivia need little encouragement, so please ask away!RavenMad is proudly supported by the Ballarat Arts Foundation as the grateful recipient of the 2021 Jack Anderson Film Award grant.Cygnet & Swan wish to acknowledge the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin nations, the Traditional Owners of the land upon which our podcast was produced and this episode was recorded. We recognise their continuing connection to the land and waterways, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

Drift off into delirium and hope, against hope, that you wake. This poem laments tragic loss and grapples with the relentless passing of time.Thank you for joining us for an episode of RavenMad, a Cygnet & Swan production. ‘A Dream within a Dream’ was originally written by Edgar Allan Poe. This adaptation was directed by Alexandra Meerbach with sound design by Elizabeth Bradford and music by Marli van der Bijl.This episode features the voice of Marli van der Bijl.RavenMad is proudly supported by the Ballarat Arts Foundation as the grateful recipient of the 2021 Jack Anderson Film Award grant.Cygnet & Swan wish to acknowledge the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin nations, the Traditional Owners of the land upon which our podcast was produced. We also acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Wadawurrung people, the Traditional Owners of the land upon which this episode was recorded. We recognise their continuing connection to the land and waterways, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

The experience of perceiving life and emotions differently to others often results in feelings of loneliness and isolation. Thank you for joining us for an episode of RavenMad, a Cygnet & Swan production. ‘Alone’ was originally written by Edgar Allan Poe. This adaptation was directed and edited by Elizabeth Bradford.This episode is narrated by Alexandra Meerbach.RavenMad is proudly supported by the Ballarat Arts Foundation as the grateful recipient of the 2021 Jack Anderson Film Award grant.Cygnet & Swan wish to acknowledge the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin nations, the Traditional Owners of the land upon which our podcast was produced. We also acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Wadawurrung people, the Traditional Owners of the land upon which this episode was recorded. We recognise their continuing connection to the land and waterways, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

An account of the soporific and excruciating torments endured by a prisoner of the Spanish Inquisition.CASTNarrator . . . Andrew SeearyJudges . . . Jack Emond, Barry Kay and James WaitChoir . . . Sam Daffy, David Floyd, Jeremy Wong and Marli van der BijlCREATIVE TEAMDirector . . .  Olivia FrenchAssistant Director . . . Alexandra MeerbachSound Editor . . . Elizabeth BradfordMusical Director . . . Marli van der BijlComposer . . . Marais van den BergAtmospheric Music . . . yewbic from freesound.orgTheme Composer . . . Matt ShawThank you for joining us for an episode of RavenMad, a Cygnet & Swan production.Cygnet & Swan wish to acknowledge the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin nations, the Traditional Owners of the land upon which our podcast was produced. We also acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Wadawurrung people of Australia, and the Khoi-San people of Southern Africa, the Traditional Owners of the land upon which this episode was recorded. We recognise their continuing connection to the land and waterways, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

A prisoner trapped in the depths of Toledo, sentenced by the Spanish Inquisition. Will he survive their torture, or perhaps he will succumb to despair first?Thank you for joining us for an episode of RavenMad, a Cygnet & Swan production.CREATIVE TEAMDirector . . .  Olivia FrenchAssistant Director . . . Alexandra MeerbachSound Editor . . . Elizabeth BradfordMusical Director . . . Marli van der BijlComposer . . . Marais van den BergChoir . . . Sam Daffy, David Floyd, Jeremy Wong and Marli van der BijlAtmospheric Music . . . yewbic from freesound.orgComposer . . . Matt ShawCASTNarrator . . . Andrew SeearyCygnet & Swan wish to acknowledge the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin nations, the Traditional Owners of the land upon which our podcast was produced. We also acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung and Wadawurrung people of Australia, and the Khoi-San people of Southern Africa, the Traditional Owners of the land upon which this episode was recorded. We recognise their continuing connection to the land and waterways, and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and emerging.

Having received an urgent letter from his boyhood friend, a man travels to be at his side… only to discover his friend is much changed. And his sister is afflicted with an even more debilitating condition.CREATIVE TEAMDirector . . . Olivia FrenchSound Editor . . . Jacob ThompsonScript Adaptation . . . Olivia French and Alexandra MeerbachCASTNarrator . . . Jack EmondRoderick Usher . . . JagarajMadeline Usher . . . Marli van der BijlPhysician . . . Barry KayValet . . . James WaitServant . . . Kyle RobinsonRavenMad is proudly supported by the Ballarat Arts Foundation as the grateful recipient of the 2021 Jack Anderson Film Award grant.Cygnet & Swan wish to acknowledge the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin nations, the Traditional Owners of the land upon which our podcast was produced. We also acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people, the Traditional Owners of the land upon which this episode was recorded. We recognise their continuing connection to the land and waterways, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend this respect to all First Nations peoples.

Despite his friend’s best endeavours, Roderick’s melancholy persists and his sister's malady seemingly has fatal consequences. Can the Usher family survive their supposed curse?CREATIVE TEAMDirector . . . Olivia FrenchSound Editor . . . Jacob ThompsonScript Adaptation . . . Olivia French and Alexandra MeerbachCASTNarrator . . . Jack EmondRoderick Usher . . . JagarajMadeline Usher . . . Marli van der BijlPhysician . . . Barry Kay'The Haunted Palace' vocal line by Matt Shaw and sung by Marli van der BijlRavenMad is proudly supported by the Ballarat Arts Foundation as the grateful recipient of the 2021 Jack Anderson Film Award grant.Cygnet & Swan wish to acknowledge the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin nations, the Traditional Owners of the land upon which our podcast was produced. We also acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people, the Traditional Owners of the land upon which this episode was recorded. We recognise their continuing connection to the land and waterways, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend this respect to all First Nations peoples.

The Lady Madeline is lost and her brother’s condition worsens still. Can he escape the affliction plaguing his family or will his own actions be his undoing?CREATIVE TEAMDirector . . . Olivia FrenchSound Editor . . . Jacob ThompsonScript Adaptation . . . Olivia French and Alexandra MeerbachCASTNarrator . . . Jack EmondRoderick Usher . . . JagarajMadeline Usher . . . Marli van der BijlRavenMad is proudly supported by the Ballarat Arts Foundation as the grateful recipient of the 2021 Jack Anderson Film Award grant.Cygnet & Swan wish to acknowledge the Wadawurrung people of the Kulin nations, the Traditional Owners of the land upon which our podcast was produced. We also acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people, the Traditional Owners of the land upon which this episode was recorded. We recognise their continuing connection to the land and waterways, and pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and extend this respect to all First Nations peoples.