Re-Imagined Radio Presents “Quiet, Please” May 18 (Photo) - 05/05/26
VANCOUVER, Wash. – Re-Imagined Radio revisits one of the most innovative series in radio history with its latest episode, “Quiet, Please,” premiering at 1 p.m. May 18.
This episode curates and reimagines two landmark broadcasts from the classic radio drama series “Quiet, Please:” “Nothing Behind the Door,” the program’s debut episode, and “The Thing on the Forble Board,” widely regarded as its most celebrated installment. Together, these stories showcase the series’ distinctive approach to storytelling—one that relies on quiet narration, psychological tension and the dramatic power of silence.
Originally written and directed by Wyllis Cooper and narrated by Ernest Chappell, “Quiet, Please” pushed the boundaries of traditional radio drama. Blending elements of suspense, horror, fantasy and the surreal, the series invited listeners into immersive worlds where events often defied logic and explanation. Rather than relying on overt sound effects or conventional plot structures, the program emphasized mood, character depth and the unsettling impact of the unknown.
“‘Quiet, Please’ demonstrates how radio can create deeply immersive worlds using minimal sound and maximum imagination,” said John F. Barber, producer of Re-Imagined Radio and faculty member in the Digital Technology and Culture program at Washington State University Vancouver. “Through Cooper’s writing and Chappell’s intimate, stream-of-consciousness narration, these stories challenge traditional storytelling and show how silence itself can become a powerful dramatic force.”
“Nothing Behind the Door,” the pilot episode, establishes the tone and narrative style that would define the series, introducing listeners to a reality where the ordinary becomes quietly unsettling. In contrast, “The Thing on the Forble Board” tells the story of a mysterious and dangerous creature unearthed by a Texas drilling crew, recounted by a narrator whose role in the events gradually becomes clear.
Re-Imagined Radio’s new episode weaves these two productions into a cohesive listening experience, highlighting the creative risks and narrative innovations that have led “Quiet, Please” to be widely regarded as one of radio’s most original drama series.
Listeners are invited to tune in May 18 to experience how silence, suggestion and storytelling combine to create lasting emotional impact.
About Re-Imagined Radio
Created in 2013 by Barber, Re-Imagined Radio explores sound-based storytelling across genres including drama, comedy, documentary and sound art. Through performances, broadcasts, streaming, podcasts and social media, the program reimagines radio storytelling for contemporary audiences.
New episodes premiere on the third Monday of each month. Re-Imagined Radio episodes air on KXRW-FM (99.9) in Vancouver, KXRY-FM (91.1 and 107.1) in Portland, and KNOM-AM (780) in Nome, Alaska. Listening links and an archive of past episodes are available at reimaginedradio.fm, which also features Re-Imagined Radio EXTRA, offering additional sound-based storytelling between monthly episodes.
About WSU Vancouver
WSU Vancouver is one of six campuses of Washington State University and the only four-year research university in Southwest Washington. The campus offers undergraduate and graduate programs that support workforce development, innovation and economic growth through strong partnerships with businesses, industries and community organizations.
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