Newts!

PRX•www.newtspod.com

A sea captain barges into the office of a shipping merchant, dragging in a barrel of water. He’s here on business, with a humble proposition. He opens the lid and reveals a newt.

Inspired by the work of Czech science fiction pioneer Karel Čapek, Newts! chronicles an alternate history of the 20th Century in which the western world discovers, exploits, educates, arms, and is ultimately overthrown by a species of highly intelligent amphibians. It’s a farcical yet deadly serious tale about self-interest and the nature of humanity, told as a six part audio drama with original music.

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Episodes

Episode 6: The Ladder of Civilization

As earthquakes and floods shake the globe, humanity comes together in tragedy. But the peace is short lived, after a mysterious leader emerges from the sea, claiming responsibility. Will this leader negotiate – and can humanity overcome their own differences in order to save the species? All this and more in the exciting conclusion to Newts!

Jul 05, 2022•38 min•Season 1Ep. 6

Episode 5: The Day the Earth Shook, Again

The world is on the brink, as countries race to arm their newts for aquatic warfare. The British Prime Minister resigns in scandal, but his unlikely replacement is soon tested by Germany’s ‘Uber Newt’ – and the simmering stand-off prompts a worldwide debate about the future of human-newt relations.

Jun 28, 2022•27 min•Season 1Ep. 5

Episode 4: Channel Surfing

The newts go global: moving into rivers, inlets, bays – and also into politics, music, religion, romance, sports, cartoons and more. For a brief moment, we enjoy the absurdity of it all – but how long can the party last?

Jun 21, 2022•24 min•Season 1Ep. 4

Episode 3: The Newt Talks

The first newt in captivity languishes at the London Zoo – until a lowly janitor accidentally teaches it to talk. Meanwhile, Mr. Bondy schemes to exploit the newts' newfound skills and popularity, but finds his biggest obstacle is his own business partner: Captain Van Toch.

Jun 14, 2022•29 min

Episode 2: Lovers on Pearl Island

Van Toch’s newts spread across the Pacific, harvesting pearls for Mr. Bondy in secret. But their cover is blown when a vacationing Hollywood starlet encounters a newt on a remote island – and turns her chance encounter into an epic adventure fit for the silver screen.

Jun 07, 2022•28 min•Season 1Ep. 2

Episode 1: That Ain’t No Devil

Where to begin the story of the end of humanity? Maybe somewhere in the East Indies, where Captain Van Toch falls in love with a species of three foot tall newts. They’re slimy, smart – and starving. Determined to save his newfound children, Van Toch seeks help from an old acquaintance, hoping that a childhood grudge won’t spoil his plans.

Jun 07, 2022•24 min•Season 1Ep. 1

Trailer: "Newts!"

Inspired by the work of Czech science fiction pioneer Karel Čapek, Newts! chronicles an alternate history of the 20th Century in which the western world discovers, exploits, educates, arms, and is ultimately overthrown by a species of highly intelligent amphibians. It’s a farcical yet deadly serious tale about self-interest and the nature of humanity, told in six parts and with original music.

May 31, 2022•2 min

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