For the Hey, Boomer project we focused on learning about the 1950s, how that time period still affects us today, and turning our learning into a satirical radio play called Happytown. Time management was a big part of the process, and although it was sometimes hard to stay on track, working together as a group helped a lot. We shared ideas, researched the 1950s, like the slang, and connected what we learned to the movie Pleasantville. Over time I got more comfortable writing a script and began thinking from the point of view of someone living in the 1950s to help.

How do we use a satirical radio play to communicate the shifts in Canadian society following WWII?

Using a satirical radio play like Happytown, which includes humour, sarcasm, and exaggeration, helps make the message more memorable. Even if it seems funny at first, it often makes you think deeper. By setting the story in the past and connecting it to things we still experience today, we made the audience think about how the world has changed, and how some things haven’t.

We started by learning about satire, sarcasm, and other techniques. Watching a scene from Over the Hedge helped me understand how to use satire well. I also learned how to take strong, clear notes that were short but useful, and I connected them to what I already knew from our WWII unit. When we watched the movie Pleasantville, I saw how small details like jokes, clothes, and dialogue helped tell a bigger story. This helped me understand how to add meaning to our own script.

Here is my groups part of the script, act 1, scene 2:

Writing the script was one of the most challenging parts, but my notes helped me dig deeper into the story. Being the DRI pushed me to take the lead, guide my group, and stay organized. Presenting the final radio play and speaking into the microphones took me out of my comfort zone, but I’m proud of how it turned out. Overall this project taught me about time management, leadership, and how stepping up can help you grow.

Here is the final script of the radio play!