4 Extra Debut. In the middle of an alien world Ice Age, a young man prepares for the biggest mission of his life. Stars Kobna Holdbrook-Smith.

In a snow-changed city in the middle of an Ice Age on an alien world, one young man prepares for the biggest mission of his life. Alone and unarmed, Genly Ai has been sent from Earth to persuade the world of Gethen to join The Ekumen, a union of planets. But it’s a task fraught with danger. Genly is shocking to the natives. This is a world in which humans are ambigendered – everyone can be a mother, and everyone can be a father.

First Minister Estraven is the only person who champions Genly’s cause, but their relationship is deeply incomprehensible and troubling. Genly’s life is at risk and he must decide who to trust.

Sci-fi with incredible humanity from brilliant feminist writer, Ursula Le Guin.

This is the first dramatisation of her 1969 novel, which is as groundbreaking in its approach to gender as when it was first published over 45 years ago.

Adapted in two parts by Judith Adams.

Genly Ai…..Kobna Holdbrook-Smith

Estraven…..Lesley Sharp

Argaven…..Toby Jones

Tibe…..Louise Brealey

Faxe…..Noma Dumezweni

Ashe…..Ruth Gemmell

Ong Tot…..Adjoa Andoh

Shusgis…..Stephen Critchlow

Obsle…..David Acton

Driver…..David Hounslow

Guard…..Rhiannon Neads

Director: Allegra McIlroy

First broadcast on BBC Radio 4 in April 2015.