How to Write a Radio Serial Drama for Social Development- PDF

Chapter Six: Developing the Setting 97
speech or technical direction as indicated by the number in the left-hand
margin.) In this scene, a health worker comes to visit a community member
who has been ill, as part of a serial encouraging greater respect for visiting
health workers and better use of their services. As well as moving the action
of the story forward, the dialogue gives a clear description of where the client
lives and what type of person he is. It also subtly introduces the beginnings
of a message on family planning.
EXAMPLE
1. FX. KNOCK AT DOOR OFF.
2. MAN: (CALLING) Come in...(LOUDER) be careful of the door... (ON
MICROPHONE) the stupid hinges are broken.
3. HW: Good morning, Mr Jones. I’m Sally...I’ve come to see how you are.
And I’ve brought the medicines for you. Where shall I put
them...on this ...er...table
4. MAN: (GRUFFLY) That’s not a table; it’s a fish trap. Can’t you smell it
5. HW: Well, yes... So, where...
6. MAN: Over there...beside the sink.
7. HW: Right. (OFF SLIGHTLY) Um...there’s something...what...where
8. MAN: Don’t tell me the cats have been up there again. What did they
leave behind this time Last week it was a frog—not even quite dead
when they dropped it there. Okay, just bring the medicines here. I’ll
keep them under my pillow.
9. HW: (CLOSE. PERPLEXED) Your...what
10. MAN: So, it’s a pillow to me. It’s really an old saddle, but you’d be
surprised how comfortable it is if you beat it about a bit. I asked my
daughter to bring me a new pillow...but...well, she’s just too busy
with all those children.
11. HW: How many does she have
12. MAN: Four, I think. Doesn’t know how to stop, obviously.
13. HW: Perhaps I can help her. I’d be happy to speak to her about it. But
right now, I must take your temperature. Where can I wash my
hands
14. MAN: There’s water in the sink. It’s probably still clean.
6
In this scene, the description of the setting is woven into the dialogue so
naturally that it does not delay the action. Brief snatches of the overall
picture of the room are presented in the way that a first-time observer would
see it. The listeners’ imaginations can fill in other details and complete the
picture for themselves.