Graeae and The Stables are to broadcast The Paradis Files, a short documentary about the making of a new opera, followed by a Q&A with members of the creative team.
Maria Theresia Von Paradis (Austria, 1759-1824) was a celebrated composer, pianist and singer known as The Blind Enchantress who gave concerts in Austria and across Europe. Yet underlying her success story is the life of a woman who was used as a pawn by her family to secure a pension; a young musician whose disability was used as a source of ‘inspiration’ and was subjected to an extraordinary and daily variety of treatments to ‘cure’ her blindness.
This documentary follows the initial steps in the creation of Graeae’s first chamber opera to be originated and performed by deaf and disabled artists, directed by Jenny Sealey, with music by award-winning composer Errollyn Wallen.
The Paradis Files is commissioned by The Stables as part of its 50th anniversary programme for IF: Milton Keynes International Festival.