This beautifully styled play tells the story of Mozart’s sister Nannerl, who herself was a musical genius, but because of the time period was not permitted to reach her full potential as a player. When young she performed with her brother to great acclaim, but as she became older, the focus was on Wolfgang, and her own abilities became less known. There are family letters that have survived however, and the play is based on information from them. The role of Nannerl is played in rotation, with the performer on day of review, Daniela Galli.
The stage is stunning: a long dress is strewn in a circle, with a caged bodice. When Nannerl strides on stage in her corsets, hair piled high and wild, we see the strong woman who she becomes. Galli brings an infectious energy to the stage and moves between the ages of child to adult seamlessly. We see and hear the childlike liveliness of the young Nannerl, the joy she had in performing and the sadness that grew when she realises that she will not be recognised in the same way as her brother, simply because she is a female. The scenes taken from the letters come alive and Galli brings us into the discussions – and arguments – with great aplomb. Her physicality, like musical notes, glides and sways as she moves to pick up music sheets, becomes different characters and leans into the world she is explaining. A fire alarm during the show halts the performance temporarily, but Galli does not let this throw her and delves back into action with grace.
This is a wonderful homage to a woman who was forgotten about by history but is now being recognised, a theme that is growing with greater awareness of the talented overlooked in the past simply because of their sex. Sylvia Milo’s use of the letters in the writing brings alive a feisty and funny personality, and with the direction we see the shape of her musical journey. Galli commands the stage such that when we leave, it is with a strong sense of the person who Nannerl Mozart was, and sadness at what she could have been.
Show Time: 16-25 Aug @ 13:45
Running time: 1hr 15mins
Ticket Prices: £13.50-£15.50
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/the-other-mozart
Accessible entry: There are 12 steps into this venue. Stairs: 11- 20. Number of stairs is provided as guidance and is not in addition to any wheelchair access type (lift/ramp etc) stated above. Wheelchair Accessible Toilets. May not apply to all performances.
Age suitability: 12+ (Guideline). Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket. Policy applies to: Children under 18 months. Age restrictions: All bars 18+ for non-ticket holders after 10pm.