The people of Barthos are suffering. Not long ago, everyone had plenty to eat and plenty to trade. This was the time of the Great Prosperity. Rivers ran full of fish, crops grew without effort, and lifespans increased by decades. Then — with the disappearance of a very special prisoner — everything changed.

The prisoner was kept in a cell deep below the Town Square. Few have ever actually seen him, but he’s known to all as The Yellow King. The Yellow King had been captured so many years ago that some townsfolk doubt his existence.

Those who do believe in him also believe they owe their abundance to his confinement. Now that he’s gone, the rivers have run dry and the crops have died. People are alone. Starving. No one knows where to turn or who to trust. Their fortunes have flipped in the blink of an eye.

The residents of Barthos want answers — and some are willing to do whatever it takes to get them.

Adapted from the play Saturn’s Return, which premiered at Tompkins Corners Cultural Center in 2021.

Trailer

Episode One: Arrival

The Yellow King has vanished, and Barthos takes a turn for the worse. A new resident makes a bold promise.

Episode Two: Crossings

Suspicions grow. Memories are unearthed. A first date becomes a romance and a son loses a father.

Episode Three: Descent

A wedding followed by a funeral. Hopes are suspended and grand plans are proposed. A fateful decision ends in blood.

What People Are Saying:

“This audio drama is such a great, creepy, Lovecraftian story. It’s the perfect blend of unsettling and mysterious. The voice acting is wonderful and the music helps add to the ethereal spookiness of ‘what the heck is going on in this apocalyptic farm town’ vibe. If you’re looking for a good spooky audio drama, hang out in Barthos for awhile…”
— thebird85, Apple Podcasts

“Saturn's Return exudes a bit of a folk horror vibe and has its share of disquieting moments, but it also retains some measure of ambiguity to good effect. It engages with questions of blame and belief, with the desire of people to be seen and the pretense of others in recognizing them, and how these play into how people keep going… [It] is a production that would reward repeat listens.”
— Thinking Theater NYC

“An atmospheric series of monologues revolving around a small town and a mysterious stranger. At first, they seem to be unrelated, but all isn’t as it seems… Extremely well written with some really talented voice actors as well.”
— NicknameTaken1991, Apple Podcasts