大象传媒

Music To See By
by Jeremy Raison

1776 Vienna: physician, Franz Anton Mesmer, offers to treat blind musical prodigy, Maria Theresia von Paradis, with a revolutionary technique using his glass harmonica. Although the method had never been publicly proven, Mesmer has all the arrogance of the male in a patriarchal society. Mesmer is 42, Maria 17. Maria wants no further treatment for her blindness. She has been subjected by her dominating parents to a lifetime of opportunist practitioners. Her father is an Imperial Secretary to the Empress Maria Theresa and a force to be reckoned with. Her mother is equally determined her daughter shall take her place in society through marriage; she cannot marry unless cured. Maria's blindness has been diagnosed as amaurosis, a psychosomatic condition of hysterical origin.

Despite Maria's initial protests, Franz visits on several occasions. Franz's approach and manner is different from other practitioners and Maria is intrigued by the glass harmonica. She begins to trust Franz and eventually there is progress. At first glimmers of light and then slowly her sight improves. But will it return completely? As her vision clears Maria is not altogether comfortable with the world she sees and there are other unexpected consequences.

The play was inspired by the writer's own battle with blindness.

Pianist - David Mcguiness
Glass Harmonica - Alasdair Malloy

Producer/director: David Ian Neville.