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Listen "'Singing My Sister Down' by Margo Lanagan, read by Paul Capsis"
Episode Synopsis
In this episode we’re going to hear Margo Lanagan’s short story ‘Singing My Sister Down’, read by Paul Capsis. This is a story with a big heart that may well move you to tears.
Margo Lanagan is one of Australia’s most outstanding writers of short stories and novels for adults and young adults. Her work has been published widely in Australia and internationally.
For those amongst you who’re unused to the fantasy genre, what you’ll find in 'Singing My Sister Down' is that you recognise the community and characters, but there are little details that tell make it clear that this is not historical fiction, but fantasy set in a world like ours, back in time somewhere. The setting is a tar pit. Tar pits are real – they form when natural, hot bitumen rises from deep in the earth to form a sticky, black pool or lake.
The story is read by the legendary Paul Capsis. Paul is one of Australia’s most extraordinary and versatile performers, appearing in theatre, live concerts, cabaret, film, and television both here and internationally, and now here, for StorySALOON.
In our next episode, 'In the SALOON with' Margo Lanagan and Paul Capsis, we meet with author and performer in the studio for an in-depth conversation about the story and its performance.
You can read 'Singing My Sister Down' in Lanagan's award-winning and internationally acclaimed collection by the same name, Singing My Sister Down, published by Allen & Unwin.
StorySALOON is hosted by Jane Messer. Find out more about StorySALOON's live shows and podcasts at www.storysaloon.com.au
Paul Capsis photo: Hellene Algie
Margo Lanagan is one of Australia’s most outstanding writers of short stories and novels for adults and young adults. Her work has been published widely in Australia and internationally.
For those amongst you who’re unused to the fantasy genre, what you’ll find in 'Singing My Sister Down' is that you recognise the community and characters, but there are little details that tell make it clear that this is not historical fiction, but fantasy set in a world like ours, back in time somewhere. The setting is a tar pit. Tar pits are real – they form when natural, hot bitumen rises from deep in the earth to form a sticky, black pool or lake.
The story is read by the legendary Paul Capsis. Paul is one of Australia’s most extraordinary and versatile performers, appearing in theatre, live concerts, cabaret, film, and television both here and internationally, and now here, for StorySALOON.
In our next episode, 'In the SALOON with' Margo Lanagan and Paul Capsis, we meet with author and performer in the studio for an in-depth conversation about the story and its performance.
You can read 'Singing My Sister Down' in Lanagan's award-winning and internationally acclaimed collection by the same name, Singing My Sister Down, published by Allen & Unwin.
StorySALOON is hosted by Jane Messer. Find out more about StorySALOON's live shows and podcasts at www.storysaloon.com.au
Paul Capsis photo: Hellene Algie
More episodes of the podcast StorySALOON
In the SALOON with Jake Dean and Adam Dunn
30/09/2025
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