“I can’t wait to support Graeae and their outstanding team of Deaf and disabled artists in bringing this project to life.” - Dame Emma Thompson DBE

The Paradis Files

2022

The Paradis Files is an opera about the life of the 18th century composer and musician, Teresa Von Paradis (Austria, 1759-1824). Paradis was a celebrated composer, pianist and singer who gave concerts in Austria and across Europe. A contemporary of Mozart and Salieri, she was known as The Blind Enchantress.

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 disabled musician who was used as a source of ‘inspiration’ and was subjected to an extraordinary and daily variety of treatments to ‘cure’ her blindness.

Graeae and The Stables are bringing to life the untold story of this extraordinary woman. Watch this short documentary follows the initial steps in the creation of The Paradis Files, Graeae’s first chamber opera to be originated and performed by Deaf and disabled artists.

 

“I can’t wait to support Graeae and their outstanding team of Deaf and disabled artists in bringing this project to life.”

Dame Emma Thompson DBE

“The Paradis Files is directed by Jenny Sealey, who knows, really knows, how to create stunning theatre. This piece is stonkingly good: intelligent, funny, moving, beautifully sung and skilfully staged.” Read more…

Sardines Magazine

“A triumph…championing accessible opera for all.” Read more…

To Do List London

“A joyfully inclusive show makes you rethink who opera is for.” Read more…

The Independent

“Delightful, exciting work, made nuanced and satisfying by the thoughtfulness with which it has been created. It’s opera for everyone and sends a clear message that we are all welcome to participate in world-class performance: and this is how it’s done.” Read more…

Everything Theatre

” Bethan Langford, outstanding in the central role…with onstage signing as part of the action, and wittily designed surtitles, The Paradis Files ensures that a new audience has a chance to experience opera. The response at the Queen Elizabeth Hall was cheerful and euphoric.” Read more…

THE OBSERVER

 

Music | Errollyn Wallen

Musical Director and Conductor | Andrea Brown

Director | Jenny Sealey

Co-Librettist | Selina Mills

Producing/commissioning partners | Graeae Theatre Company; BBC Concert Orchestra; Curve Theatre; The Stables for IF: Milton Keynes International Festival

GALLERY