In a desperate bid for water, a city-state plagued by drought has instituted a system of so-called Gifts, a weekly lottery that leads to the sacrifice of its young men.

But the Gifts aren't working, and when the man in charge of the system sees his son's number called up, his faith is sorely tested.

Written by Michael Butt.

Edmund ...... Nicholas Jones
Kenny ...... Will Howard
Marianne ...... Christine Absalom
Shelley ...... Tracy Wiles
Lucy ...... Amaka Okafor
Minister ...... Sean Murray
Mr Greene ...... Paul Stonehouse
Mrs Greene ...... Philippa Stanton

Producer: Sasha Yevtushenko

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in June 2013. Show less