From Rio to Manhattan - radio drama brings global success for graduate
Tuesday 21 June 2016
A radio drama set in the slums of Rio de Janeiro has earned a prestigious international award for a University of Salford graduate.
A radio drama set in the slums of Rio de Janeiro has earned a prestigious international award for a University of Salford graduate.
Robert Forshaw was presented with the New York Festivals World’s Best Radio Programs award for his drama A Favela at a ceremony at the Manhattan Penthouse on Fifth Avenue last night (Monday June 20).
Robert, who graduated from a course in Radio Production last year and is currently studying for an MA in Marketing at the University, wrote and produced the drama series as a piece of coursework.
The 20 minute drama follows the story of a Francis Di Santo, a taxi driver trying to scrape by in one of the favelas – or slums – which cling to the hillsides of the Brazilian city, and looks at how a chance encounter with a newly arrived woman changes his life.
Robert was awarded the bronze award for best UK student drama in the awards, which has been honouring the best radio productions from around the world since the early ‘80s.
He said: “With the Olympics starting later this summer, the eyes of the world will once again be on Rio, which is a truly fascinating city and must be the only place on Earth where the poor look down on the rich – literally, as the favelas are often built high on the hillsides.
“The idea of life in the favelas, where there is such a huge gap between the rich and the poor, means they are a natural setting for drama, and I’m incredibly proud that my work has been recognised with this award.”
Geoff McQueen, lecturer in Radio Production at the University of Salford, said: “The award ceremony has seen gongs going out to some of the biggest and the best broadcasters and publishers from around the world – from the BBC to ESPN.
“For University of Salford to be in this prestigious company is very special indeed, and shows the talent that exists here.”
A sound file of the play is available here: https://soundcloud.com/robert-forshaw-2/a-favela
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