Mike Daisey Radio Plays

19.06.04 21 Dog Years - Doing time at Amazon.com, 60m
12.10.05 The Ugly American, 45m

NOTES

Twenty-one Dog Years: Doing Time at Amazon.com*....2004
With a degree in aesthetics from a "micro-ivy" college, Mike Daisey went to Seattle with no plan in mind and found himself in 1998 working at Amazon.com because he suddenly needed dental insurance. He claws his way up from the crazy hours and targets and work sirens of customer service to the more sedate world of Business Development in the hope that some day soon he can cash in his stock options. And then he realizes that early on in this dehumanized world of ecommerce, he lost himself. Mike Daisey, an American writer and comic, looks back at an episode in his life which is cynical but also affectionate. Written and performed by Mike Daisey. Produced by Judith Kampfner.

THE UGLY AMERICAN....2005*
A monologuist's adaptation of his own stage performance. I don't like most monologues, but this one is unmissable - it's a hilarious account of Mike Daisey's experiences in London as he trains for the stage. Produced by Judith Kampfner. There's a website devoted to MIke Daisey's performances in his home theatre in America. Eventually I'll put a link to it from this page. Meanwhile use Google to find it.

Mike Daisey's The Ugly American (R4, 1415, 5 Oct 05).......... Daisey tells us that he went to England seeking the ghosts of Gielgud and Olivier as mentors. What he found instead was two of the worst roles in which an actor could be cast and a deep first love for the wispy Tamsin, his co-star in one of the plays. As time goes by, he learns that Tamsin has other talents. It will spoil the plot to say here what they are. Judith Kampfner directed. (.....ND, VRPCC newsletter, Dec 05.....)