Abstract
This study is a case history of radio drama production at one particular broadcasting authority in Western Germany. Radio drama has assumed a position of increasing importance within the output of German radio networks since World War II. Beginning as an easily produced and quick substitute for the lack of cinema and theatre entertainment in the early 1950's, it has been developed with the advent of stereophony to an art form in its own right, embracing all the technical and artistic possibilities of current broadcasting technology. Very little, however, has been done to document and analyse the creative processes involved. Beginning with the move to Hessischer Rundfunk's present headquarters in Frankfurt in 1954, the study goes on to describe and analyse the original mono studio complex and productions made there, keeping in mind numerous constraints imposed: small studios, poor acoustics and basic technical facilities necessitating considerable improvisation. The study continues with the commissioning in 1967 of the new stereo radio drama suite. This was planned from the outset to avoid the problems encountered in the mono suite and thus forms a suitable contrast when comparing productions, production techniques and technology. The study places considerable emphasis on evolving aesthetic criteria whereby the effect of technology on sound drama can be measured. By taking one facet of radio drama, acoustic depiction and perspective, and analysing it closely, it has been possible to show how crucial the interaction of actor, studio and microphone can be in achieving a convincing realisation of a scene using sound alone.