Episode 1
4 Extra Debut. In the middle of an alien world Ice Age, a young man prepares for the biggest mission of his life. Stars Kobna Holdbrook-Smith.
In a snow-changed city in the middle of an Ice Age on an alien world, one young man prepares for the biggest mission of his life. Alone and unarmed, Genly Ai has been sent from Earth to persuade the world of Gethen to join The Ekumen, a union of planets. But it’s a task fraught with danger. Genly is shocking to the natives. This is a world in which humans are ambigendered – everyone can be a mother, and everyone can be a father.
First Minister Estraven is the only person who champions Genly’s cause, but their relationship is deeply incomprehensible and troubling. Genly’s life is at risk and he must decide who to trust.
Sci-fi with incredible humanity from brilliant feminist writer, Ursula Le Guin.
This is the first dramatisation of her 1969 novel, which is as groundbreaking in its approach to gender as when it was first published over 45 years ago.
Adapted in two parts by Judith Adams.
Genly Ai…..Kobna Holdbrook-Smith
Estraven…..Lesley Sharp
Argaven…..Toby Jones
Tibe…..Louise Brealey
Faxe…..Noma Dumezweni
Ashe…..Ruth Gemmell
Ong Tot…..Adjoa Andoh
Shusgis…..Stephen Critchlow
Obsle…..David Acton
Driver…..David Hounslow
Guard…..Rhiannon Neads
Director: Allegra McIlroy
First broadcast on ´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 4 in April 2015.
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Clips
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The Left Hand of Darkness - In The Beginning
Duration: 01:15
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The Left Hand of Darkness - Preview
Duration: 01:17
Credits
Role | Contributor |
---|---|
Genly Ai | Kobna Holdbrook-Smith |
Estraven | Lesley Sharp |
Argaven | Toby Jones |
Tibe | Louise Brealey |
Faxe | Noma Dumezweni |
Ashe | Ruth Gemmell |
Ong Tot | Adjoa Andoh |
Shusgis | Stephen Critchlow |
Obsle | David Acton |
Driver | David Hounslow |
Guard | Rhiannon Neads |
Author | Ursula Le Guin |
Adaptor | Judith Adams |
Director | Allegra McIlroy |
Broadcasts
- Sun 12 Apr 2015 15:00´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 4
- Sat 18 Apr 2015 21:00´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 4
- Sat 26 Oct 2019 18:00´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 4 Extra
- Sun 27 Oct 2019 00:00´óÏó´«Ã½ Radio 4 Extra