Music and Lyrics by Paul Blest
From an idea by Paul Blest and Adrian Miles
For Barbara, Shea and Keely...and the music goes on!
And in memory of Steve Tully.
I, Nostradamus,
Always at your command,
I see and hear as no-one else,
Your future in my hands,
Revered by man, reviled by man,
Present in all men's dreams,
How horror-filled this world of ours,
How close disaster seems.
Yet I'm a man,
I have free will,
To cure the sick or else to kill.
Must I accept each prophecy,
Or in it hope to find the key
To end all bitterness and strife
Before we end all earthly life.
Introduction
The life and predictions of Michele de Nostredame, Nostradamus, are fascinating in their own right, but, in this context, have been the inspiration for the creation of a rock musical and great poetic licence is taken. As a result, although the origins are historical, the themes are universal and contemporary.
Nostradamus is a ‘grand’ figure in the best theatrical tradition and, as such, provides an ideal protagonist for what I plan to be a production that will not only entertain but inspire and uplift. Given what we know of him, he reportedly saw the future as preordained and himself as a medium through which glimpses of the future could be revealed and there are, of course, many references to his predictions, but they remain secondary to the main theme: fate versus self-determination. The story itself takes us from despair and fatalism through to joy and emancipation; ultimately it is an affirmation of life and love.
Bearing in mind all the above, what I have attempted to do is ‘humanise’ Nostradamus, to bring him to life as a person, not just as the legendary seer. This means that we will see Nostradamus the physician, the husband and father, a man who mingled with common folk but who was also favoured by royalty. We will see a man who questions, who is tortured by self-doubt, a man who is lionised, but also persecuted and bullied for having a gift that he, himself, often regrets. Above all, we will see a man who experiences the trials and tribulations of life - as we all do.
The above is crucial in that I want the audience to identify with a character who has strengths and weaknesses in equal part, as much as we wish them to be mesmerised by his power and charisma. The theme, fate versus self-determination, may sound grandiose, but, in essence, reflects our own lives: the decisions we make, what we accept and what we choose to change. The musical plumbs the depths of despair, both personally and globally, but the dénouement aims to build to a positive, life-affirming climax, carrying the audience along with it.
Other characters are significant in the story; notably Henriette and Anne, his first and second wives; The Fool, who is chorus, commentator and source of wisdom and light relief; ‘The President’, Miles, who is undergoing regression hypnotherapy, and, in a contemporary parallel story is also questioning his power and his own path in life.
The story unfolds through a series of original songs, integral to the script, that reflect both the joys and the sad and sombre moments of life; they range from a dramatic monologue set to music through plaintive ballads, duets, full-on rock songs and choral pieces, all of which trace a life in transition.
I, Nostradamus encompasses a love story, the ravages of the bubonic plague, environmental issues, a new romance for Nostradamus, peace versus war, humorous interludes, courtesy of The fool, that act as a counterbalance to the more sombre issues, fate versus self-determination and a self-affirming look at how wisdom lies in so-called “ordinary” people. Anachronistic, dark, challenging, humorous, contemporary, but with an affectionate nod to earlier musicals of this genre: it is all of these. With considerable potential for all aspects of a stage production, this is a dynamic and affecting story waiting to be told.
Paul Blest 2020
DISCLAIMER.
By using or accessing this website, you are accepting all the terms of this disclaimer notice.
All material on this website, including text, music/songs and images, is protected by copyright law; it may not be copied, reproduced, republished, downloaded, posted, distributed, broadcast or transmitted in any way without the copyright owner’s consent. All author’s rights are hereby reserved with regard to all such works.
While every effort is made to ensure that the content of this website is accurate, we make no representations or warranties in relation to the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. Links to other websites are provided for the convenience of users only and we accept no liability or responsibility for their content.