Joseph Conrad: The Secret Agent, Heart of Darkness & More

Summary

Dramatisations of six of Conrad's finest novels, plus bonus material

Polish-born author and mariner Joseph Conrad is widely regarded as one of the greatest English novelists. His 16 years in the merchant navy profoundly shaped his fiction, giving him transformative experiences of adventure and exotic places, and a unique insight into the human psyche. Included here are adaptations of six of his best works, brought together for the first time and collected in chronological order, plus one fascinating bonus programmes exploring his life and art.

Heart of Darkness - Ordered to sail up the Congo River in search of enigmatic ivory trader Mr Kurtz, Marlowe's journey takes him deep into an unknown continent... David Calder, Bill Wallis and Kris Marshall star in this radio production of Conrad's controversial masterpiece.

Lord Jim - Faced with disaster, young first mate Jim abandons the sinking SS Patna. Wracked with guilt, he tries to start a new life - but can he ever escape his past? Starring Simon Treves and David March.

The Secret Agent - A terrorist bomb explodes in London, killing the bomber and threatening the authorities and anarchists alike... Ron Cook and Robert Glenister star in a 2-part dramatisation of Conrad's prescient black comedy.

Il Conde - An elderly aristocrat is traumatised by a terrifying encounter in Naples in this adaptation of Conrad's haunting short story, starring John Moffatt and John Woodvine.

The Secret Sharer - An inexperienced skipper gives sanctuary to a fugitive murderer who seems like his doppelganger: and faces his own subconscious fears. Michael Feast, Christopher Scott and Stephen Tompkinson, star in this dramatisation of one of Joseph Conrad's most popular short tales.

Victory - Set in the Far East, this 1915 novel tells of one man's struggle towards self-realisation and redemption in a hostile world. Starring David March and Patrick Barr.

Meridian: Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness - Onyekachi Wambu explores Conrad's most famous novel, inspired by the brutal imperialist exploitation of the Congo during the 1880s.

First published 1899 (Heart of Darkness), 1900 (Lord Jim), 1907 (The Secret Agent), 1908 ('Il Conde'), 1910 ('The Secret Sharer'), 1915 (Victory)

Cast and credits
Written by Joseph Conrad
With thanks to Keith Wickham and the British Library

Heart of Darkness
Adapted by Jeremy Howe. Produced by Jeremy Howe and Iain Hunter. Music by David Lord
First broadcast BBC Radio 3, 13 July 2003

Lord Jim
Dramatised by Keith Darvill. Directed by Martin Jenkins and Graham Gauld
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 28 July-1 September 1985

The Secret Agent
Dramatised by David Napthine. Directed by Jessica Dromgoole
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 1-8 October 2006

Il Conde
Dramatised by Alun Owen. Directed by Enyd Williams
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 2 March 1994

The Secret Sharer
Dramatised by Robert Forrest. Directed by Patrick Rayner
First broadcast BBC Radio 4, 7 June 1989

Victory
Other parts played by members of the BBC Drama Repertory Company
Adapted by Helena Wood. Produced by Joe Burroughs
First broadcast BBC Home Service Basic, 22 November 1965

Meridian: Joseph Conrad's Heart of Darkness
Presented by Onyekachi Wambu
With Adam Hochschild, Professor Allan H. Simmons, Michela Wrong
First broadcast BBC World Service, 20 February 2002

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