A Phantom of Paradise

Nari’s “A Phantom of Paradise” starts with a bang, bringing to life man’s fall from grace with a wild sonata by Stradella. This is the commencement of a fascinating exploration of the human condition, the eternal conflict engendered by man’s fall–between sin and redemption, love and hate, order and chaos. Can we somehow unravel this conflict and find happiness on this earth? Is paradise just a phantom, or can we at least create our own little patch of heaven?

“A Phantom of Paradise” is made out of four sections, each combining several small pieces and declaimed texts to create an overarching narrative, a whole that is larger than the sum of its parts. The texts, written by the ensemble, or curated from Milton’s “Paradise Lost”, serve to highlight the drama of the music, and bring to life the emotions expressed in it. A hallmark of Nari’s performances, this unique synergy between theater and music takes the viewers on a captivating emotional journey.

Program