MAGPIES

When she's injured, Granny tells Ambrose her wish to be honored after death in the traditional way: by having her body put in a tree. Wilma, a Christian, wants Granny to be buried instead. Cliff Solomon tells the story of this conflict between tradition and modern ways on a Canadian reserve with a sharp wit and a disarmingly relaxed pace. As narrator, he spars playfully with the magpies that caw at his yarn and, occasionally, the characters in the story. Ben Cardinal as sly Ambrose gives a good performance with a similar style. Marie Clements as Wilma contrasts with intensity. Fans of radio drama and storytelling will enjoy this CBC production. J.A.S. (c) AudioFile 2004, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 04]