In 1985/86, Italo Calvino, one of the greatest 20th century writers and a great European, wrote Six Memos for the Next Millennium. Actually five in number (Calvino died before he could complete the sixth), they are a profound and universal statement of what matters in literature. Calvino identified six qualities indispensable to literature – lightness, quickness, exactitude, visibility, multiplicity and consistency. 

Calvino’s approach was "borrowed" to create a unique piece of radio drama that addresses what is indispensable to the Europe of the 21st century. These six radio drama memos provide a snapshot of Europe today:

1 The Unexpected Dane - Danish Radio
A satirical comedy set in a broom cupboard. When God turns up unexpectedly at the Prime Minister's residence, why on earth does he demand Danish citizenship? And does he qualify?

2. The Unexpected Finn - YLE
An older man on his way to a peace protest debates his military past with his young self. A poignant, reflective drama.

3. Rehn Dogs/Rain Dogs - Radio Bremen, Germany
A bicycle tour of Italy becomes slightly more complicated for two hapless German tourists when a dog becomes entangled in their spokes.

4. Rain in my Suitcase - BBC
A young Somali refugee frantically tries to call home. Distraught at news of his mother's illness, the last person he expects to come to his aid is the homeless man who is waiting to use the phone next.

5. Donald and I - Radio France
Two lizards debate how to define being French - a surreal, reptilian comedy.

6. Expecting Rain - HRT, Croatia
Worlds collide when a young Ukrainian prostitute meets a second rate Croatian footballer in a brothel in Amsterdam. Will the rain fall?

Listen to an excerpt: 

Polly Thomas, a BBC radio drama producer, and also the project manager for the Unexpected European explained the philosophy behind the radio drama: "The Unexpected European was motivated by a desire to discover our fellow Europeans, to explore and push the boundaries of what we thought we know about each other. Each country chose its theme and style, in a unique experience that crossed borders and brought together a team of 45 radio drama producers, directors, writers, actors, sound designers, composers, broadcast assistants, translators and advisors. Radio drama is an exciting medium through which to express ideas across countries. We hope that pan-European collaboration continues to flourish in the spirit of a new and dynamic Europe."

The BBC (United Kingdom), HRT (Croatia), DR (Denmark), ARD-Radio Bremen (Germany), Radio France-France Culture (France) and YLE (Finland) all participated in the project which received support from the EBU's Radio Development Fund (RDF).

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