Logo for Cultureverse

Cultureverse

Studio Ochenta

CULTUREVERSE is an immersive audio drama that celebrates our collective cultural past. It is a place where myths and legends come alive in the modern world. In each episode, an ordinary kid encounters an extraordinary creature, myth, or folk character from their culture, embarking on an exciting journey of self-discovery. Cultureverse isn’t just an audio adventure, it’s a show that celebrates who we are, and where we come from.

2021

CULTUREVERSE is an immersive audio drama that celebrates our collective cultural past. It is a place where myths and legends come alive in the modern world. In each episode, an ordinary kid encounters an extraordinary creature, myth, or folk character from their culture, embarking on an exciting journey of self-discovery. Cultureverse isn’t just an audio adventure, it’s a show that celebrates who we are, and where we come from.

2021
5hr
Thumbnail for "The Water Dragon ".
A brother and sister find a mysterious blue stone...
Thumbnail for "Studio Ochenta Presents: Mija Música! ".
From the team that brought you Cultureverse: A bilingual series celebrating musical migration
Thumbnail for "Cultureverse Recommends: Timestorm".
If you enjoy exploring folktales from around the world with Cultureverse, then we recommend another series from the TRAX network and Cocotazo Media. Timestorm is an audio drama adventure for the entire family.
Thumbnail for "Studio Ochenta Presents: Adventure in Atacama".
Check out Episode 1 of our brand new choose-your-own-adventure podcast
Thumbnail for "Nafanua ".
Sefi suffers from stage fright, until she channels a great warrior goddess...
Thumbnail for "Cultureverse Recommends : Milky Way Underground".
A brand new show from TRAX on PRX...
Thumbnail for "Mami Wata".
Dwayne and Obi are working on a film when they see a mysterious being in the lake....
Thumbnail for "The Loyal Mongoose".
After moving from India to the US, Amita makes a new friend, Mongoose...
Thumbnail for "The Wise Fool".
Juan receives a precious watch ...
Thumbnail for "The Dangsan Tree".
Kevin must find a sacred tree to help his grandmother...
Thumbnail for "The Golem".
After experiencing cyberbullying, Sarah, an immensely talented programmer, decides to take matters into her own hands...
Thumbnail for "The Watermelon Prince ".
May finds a very special watermelon...
Thumbnail for "Dagda's Harp ".
A boy receives a special guitar with very special powers...
Thumbnail for "Gitli ".
Two friends find themselves in the middle of a sea of dogs...
Thumbnail for "The Cholito de la Suerte ".
A girl hears a funny noise coming from her locker...
Thumbnail for "The Rolling Calf ".
A camping trip among friends is interrupted by a mysterious creature...
Thumbnail for "Studio Ochenta & TRAX from PRX present: CULTUREVERSE".
CULTUREVERSE is an immersive audio drama that celebrates our collective cultural past. It is a place where myths and legends come alive in the modern world.

The Water Dragon

Thumbnail for "The Water Dragon ".
July 1, 202117min 37sec

What happens when you step into the Cultureverse?

In this episode of our cultural adventure series, David and Jenny meet the most revered creature in the Chinese Zodiac: The Water Dragon.

This story is based on the ancient Chinese legend of The Water Dragon in which a young boy in the countryside finds a stone that brings him a lot of luck. He hopes to use it to bring rain to his village during a terrible drought. The boy ultimately learns to harness the magic of the stone and he himself transforms into a “water dragon”, and then gives the gift of water to all of China and their crops. The dragon is also one of the most revered animals in the Chinese zodiac, as it represents divinity, dignity, power and good fortune.

This podcast was produced by Studio Ochenta for TRAX on PRX and is hosted by Kelly Marie Tran. David was voiced by Ivan Mok. Jenny was voiced by Jenny W. Chan. The Water Dragon was interpreted by Andy Lowe. Auntie Ming was voiced by Hua Szu Yang, and Sandy Poplore is Cherie B. Tay.

Special thanks to our Cultureverse editorial team for this episode: Yilan Batista, Dorothy Li and Alan Z, who brought their experiences as Chinese and Chinese-Americans to this story. And also to our Cantonese translators, Jane Lui, Leqi Zhong and Dorothy Li.

Transcripts and additional resources to learn more about Chinese folklore are available at ochentastudio.com/cultureverse.

Thumbnail for "The Water Dragon ".
The Water Dragon
00:00
17:37