Since the age of 16, singer-songwriter Anna Witiuk has undergone six open-heart surgeries to treat her Marfan syndrome, a genetic disorder affecting the body’s connective tissues. Her fifth operation permanently paralyzed one of her vocal cords, impairing her singing abilities and adding “another heartbreak and another trauma” to her experience living with Marfan.
“As disabled artists, we often live between stereotypes: either being a total inspiration… or being treated like untouchables,” Witiuk said. Hyperallergic.
Tonight, November 1, Witiuk’s story will be brought to life in the form of a self-written song at the Abrons Arts Center on the Lower East Side, for the premiere performance of This heavenly place — an erotic musical comedy delving into the romantic experiences and sexual fantasies of disabled performers through the use of massive puppet alter-egos.
Presented by the Williamsburg Arts Association Summer galleryThe production revolves around the real-life romantic and sexual experiences of 12 artists with disabilities that affect their physical, developmental and intellectual functioning. It covers topics ranging from meeting your first romantic and life partner in college to fantasizing about a BDSM relationship with your medical surgeon.
This heavenly place is the creation of the experimental puppet troupe Pussypaws Puppetswhich was founded last year by sisters-in-law Priscilla Frank, who directed the series, and Alana Hauser, the series’ producer. Their inspiration was born during the 2020 pandemic, while Frank was working at YAI Arts and Culturea non-profit art studio that supports adult artists with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
“(Artists) just started sharing stories about their fantasy worlds or their wishes of finding love and wanting to go on a date and all these things,” Frank said. Hyperallergicadding that their stories ranged from “sweet and touching” to “wild and surprising” and “much more fun to tell” than anything she heard from her friendship circles.
This experience led Frank to interview eight different disabled artists about these romantic desires and sexual fantasies, and to bring their stories to life through singing and puppetry – an art form that both “added a layer of anonymity” for the storytellers and “encouraged them to share” their stories.
Therefore, This heavenly place is anchored in songs that explore experiences that are both deeply emotional and fun and curious, delving into fantasies of busty cartoon goddesses and demon “daddies” who provide comfort and security while inspiring sexual desire.
One such story told through the song “Mystic Phoenix is Full of Love” centers on the real-life experience of the series’ cosplayer and puppet creator. Chris Chronopouloswho met his partner in the college canteen more than two decades ago. At tonight’s sold-out premiere party, 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 said. Hyperallergic. “It’s remarkable to see so many people come together and show their stories and be represented as puppets.”
Although all three performances, which will take place this weekend, are sold out, those who wish to hear the stories can listen to the soundtrack on Spotifyand Chronopolous said it was hopeful of expanding production. The show is currently funded by a capital campaign and several grant funds.
“A friend gave me the greatest compliment: This show not only normalizes the experience of people with disabilities, but shows how beautiful, creative and extraordinary their lives are,” Frank said.
