Since singer-songwriter Anna Witiuk was 16 years previous, she has undergone six open coronary heart surgical procedures to assist deal with her Marfan syndrome, a genetic situation affecting the physique’s connective tissues. Her fifth surgical procedure completely paralyzed one among her vocal cords, altering her singing talents and including “one other grief and trauma” to her expertise of dwelling with Marfan.
“As artists with disabilities, we regularly reside between the stereotypes: both being an utter inspiration … or handled like untouchables,” Witiuk informed Hyperallergic.
Tonight, November 1, Witiuk’s story will take to the stage within the type of a self-written tune on the Decrease East Aspect’s Abrons Arts Heart for the debut efficiency of That Paradise Place — an erotic musical delving into the romantic experiences and sexual fantasies of artists with disabilities by way of the usage of huge puppet alter-egos.
Offered by Williamsburg arts nonprofit Summertime Gallery, the manufacturing revolves round the actual romantic and sexual experiences of 12 artists with disabilities that have an effect on their bodily, developmental, and mental functioning. It covers matters starting from assembly one’s past love and life companion in center faculty to fantasizing a few BDSM relationship with one’s medical surgeon.
That Paradise Place is the creation of the experimental puppet troupe Pussypaws Puppetry, which was based final 12 months by sisters-in-law Priscilla Frank, who directed the present, and Alana Hauser, the present’s producer. Their inspiration originated throughout the 2020 pandemic, whereas Frank was working at YAI Arts and Tradition, a nonprofit artwork studio supporting grownup artists with developmental and mental disabilities.
“[The artists] began simply sharing tales about both their imaginary worlds or their needs about wanting to seek out love and desirous to go on a date and all of this stuff,” Frank informed Hyperallergic, including that their tales ranged from “candy and touching” to “wild and shocking” and “way more enjoyable to gossip about” than something she was listening to from her friendship circles.
This expertise led Frank to interview eight totally different artists with disabilities about these romantic wishes and sexual fantasies, and convey their tales to life by way of tune and puppetry — an artwork kind that each “added a layer of anonymity” for the storytellers and “embolden them to share” their tales.
In consequence, That Paradise Place is grounded in songs that discover experiences each deeply emotional and amusingly curious, delving into fantasies of busty cartoon goddesses and demon “daddies” that supply consolation and security whereas additionally inspiring sexual want.
One among these tales that’s informed by way of the tune “Mystic Phoenix is Stuffed with Love” facilities on the actual life expertise of cosplay artist and the present’s puppet maker Chris Chronopoulos, who met his companion within the center faculty lunchroom over 20 years in the past. At tonight’s sold-out debut he may also be what Frank described because the “puppet ER physician.”
“I can perceive how arduous it’s to let go and be susceptible …. about their emotions and feelings and the way they really feel in regards to the world they reside in,” Chronopolous informed Hyperallergic. “It’s outstanding to see so many individuals stepping as much as the event and exhibit their tales and being portrayed within the type of puppets.”
Whereas all three performances, which happen by way of this weekend, are offered out, these inquisitive about listening to the tales can take heed to the soundtrack on Spotify, and Chronopolous mentioned he’s hopeful about increasing the manufacturing. The present is at the moment financed by a fundraising marketing campaign and a number of other grant funds.
“A pal mentioned to me the very best praise which was that this present doesn’t simply normalize the expertise of individuals with disabilities, however exhibits how lovely and inventive and extraordinary their lives are,” Frank mentioned.