Since singer-songwriter Anna Witiuk was 16 years old, she has undergone six open heart surgeries to help treat her Marfan syndrome, a genetic condition affecting the body’s connective tissues. Her fifth surgery permanently paralyzed one of her vocal cords, altering her singing abilities and adding “another grief and trauma” to her experience of living with Marfan.
“As artists with disabilities, we often live between the stereotypes: either being an utter inspiration … or treated like untouchables,” Witiuk told Hyperallergic.
Tonight, November 1, Witiuk’s story will take to the stage in the form of a self-written song at the Lower East Side’s Abrons Arts Center for the debut performance of That Paradise Place — an erotic musical delving into the romantic experiences and sexual fantasies of artists with disabilities through the use of massive puppet alter-egos.
Presented by Williamsburg arts nonprofit Summertime Gallery, the production revolves around the real romantic and sexual experiences of 12 artists with disabilities that affect their physical, developmental, and intellectual functioning. It covers topics ranging from meeting one’s first love and life partner in middle school to fantasizing about a BDSM relationship with one’s medical surgeon.
That Paradise Place is the creation of the experimental puppet troupe Pussypaws Puppetry, which was founded last year by sisters-in-law Priscilla Frank, who directed the show, and Alana Hauser, the show’s producer. Their inspiration originated during the 2020 pandemic, while Frank was working at YAI Arts and Culture, a nonprofit art studio supporting adult artists with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
“[The artists] started just sharing stories about either their imaginary worlds or their wishes about wanting to find love and wanting to go on a date and all of these things,” Frank told Hyperallergic, adding that their stories ranged from “sweet and touching” to “wild and surprising” and “much more fun to gossip about” than anything she was hearing from her friendship circles.
This experience led Frank to interview eight different artists with disabilities about these romantic desires and sexual fantasies, and bring their stories to life through song and puppetry — an art form that both “added a layer of anonymity” for the storytellers and “embolden them to share” their stories.
As a result, That Paradise Place is grounded in songs that explore experiences both deeply emotional and amusingly curious, delving into fantasies of busty cartoon goddesses and demon “daddies” that offer comfort and safety while also inspiring sexual desire.
One of these stories that is told through the song “Mystic Phoenix is Full of Love” centers on the real life experience of cosplay artist and the show’s puppet maker Chris Chronopoulos, who met his partner in the middle school lunchroom over two decades ago. At tonight’s sold-out debut he will also be what Frank described as the “puppet ER doctor.”
“I can understand how hard it is to let go and be vulnerable …. about their feelings and emotions and how they feel about the world they live in,” Chronopolous told Hyperallergic. “It’s remarkable to see so many people stepping up to the occasion and show off their stories and being portrayed in the form of puppets.”
While all three performances, which take place through this weekend, are sold out, those interested in hearing the stories can listen to the soundtrack on Spotify, and Chronopolous said he is hopeful about expanding the production. The show is currently financed by a fundraising campaign and several grant funds.
“A friend said to me the best compliment which was that this show doesn’t just normalize the experience of people with disabilities, but shows how beautiful and creative and extraordinary their lives are,” Frank said.
