Today’s War of Worlds

The Gulf Coast Broadcasters will be putting on a live broadcast of The War of the Worlds adapted by Joe Landry and directed by Hank Rion in late October. The event dates go as followed; October 23 – 25 & October 30 – November 1, Fridays, and Saturdays, 7:30. p.m., Sundays, 3 p.m. This historic broadcast reflects the climate of the world we are in today due to the spread of COVID-19. The original broadcast by Orson Wells in 1938 was an adaptation of H.G ells novel The War of the Worlds that depicted aliens from mars attacking earth. Due to people tuning in late to the radio broadcast; choosing to listen to Edgar Bergen’s Chase and Sanborn Hour, a comedy-variety show instead, many thought he was reporting on a real invasion which caused panic to spread across America. Many began preparing for the invasions with weapons while others decided to take their own lives. After it cleared up that there was no invasion thousands of people found relief while others remained enraged. As a result of this panic, it became mandatory during these broadcasts to have many warnings throughout to make sure this would not happen again. Much like this year when the news of the virus first spread and a worldwide panic ensued. The main difference being the number of news sources we have today versus the limited options available in 1938. With so much new information from many different news sources, many people across the world are scared, confused, and in survival mode. A lot of people believe the virus to be a hoax while some are over-cautious and stay in a state of panic. Today, however having unlimited news resources is a blessing and a curse, citizens around the world have to be very careful when picking their sources because not every news outlet is credible. Even though there are majors differences the public reaction reflects what is being called today’s war of worlds. If you are interested in listening to Joe Landry’s rendition, you can tune in live online & GC 90.7FM WKGC.

For more information visit https://www.gulfcoast.edu/community/arts-culture/amelia-center-gallery/index.html

Sources (Gulf Coast State College | Amelia Center Gallery, 2020)

https://www.metroymcas.org/rosen-performing-arts-center/war-of-the-worlds-the-1938-radio-play

https://www.npr.org/sections/thetwo-way/2013/10/30/241797346/75-years-ago-war-of-the-worlds-started-a-panic-or-did-it

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