FAUST. by A.S. Ember

Regarded by many to be the single greatest work of German literature, Goethe's "Faust" has transcended the bounds of theatrical script. Here, the provocative tragedy is performed somewhere between audiobook and dramatization. A single reader gives life and emotion to the inimitable Faust, the sardonic devil Mephistopheles, the innocent Margarete, and the comical sundry that surrounds them. Monologues are given wonderment and gravitas, tricks are played with biting humour, and drunken oafs sing songs off key in this singular production of Germany's magnum opus.

Synopsis (from Wikipedia)

Faust takes place in multiple settings, the first of which is Heaven. The demon Mephistopheles makes a bet with God: he says that he can lure God's favourite human being (Faust), who is striving to learn everything that can be known, away from righteous pursuits. The next scene takes place in Faust's study where Faust, despairing at the vanity of scientific, humanitarian and religious learning, turns to magic for the showering of infinite knowledge. He suspects, however, that his attempts are failing. Frustrated, he ponders suicide, but rejects it as he hears the echo of nearby Easter celebrations begin. He goes for a walk with his assistant Wagner and is followed home by a stray poodle (common dog).

In Faust's study, the poodle transforms into Mephistopheles. Faust makes an arrangement with him: Mephistopheles will do everything that Faust wants while he is here on Earth, and in exchange Faust will serve the Devil in Hell. Faust's arrangement is that if he is pleased enough with anything Mephistopheles gives him that he wants to stay in that moment forever, then he will die in that moment.

When Mephistopheles tells Faust to sign the pact with blood, Faust complains that Mephistopheles does not trust Faust's word of honor. In the end, Mephistopheles wins the argument and Faust signs the contract with a drop of his own blood. Faust has a few excursions and then meets Margarete (or Margery). He is attracted to her and with jewelry and with help from a neighbor, Martha, Mephistopheles draws Margery into Faust's arms. With Mephistopheles' aid, Faust seduces Margery. Margery's mother dies from a sleeping potion, administered by Margery to obtain privacy so that Faust could visit her. Margery discovers she is pregnant. Margery's brother condemns Faust, challenges him and falls dead at the hands of Faust and Mephistopheles. Margery drowns her illegitimate child and is convicted of the murder. Faust tries to save Margery from death by attempting to free her from prison. Finding that she refuses to escape, Faust and Mephistopheles flee the dungeon, while a voice from Heaven announces that Margery shall be saved.

Audiobooks and words read aloud.