The legacy of Mozart boasts a timelessness still celebrated centuries after the composer’s death, yet few are aware of his sister – something which Sylvia Milo’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe show The Other Mozart addresses head-on. Daniela Galli takes centre stage (rotating with Milo) in this production directed by Isaac Byrne, which delves into the forgotten story of Maria Anna Mozart (‘Nannerl’).
Constructed from factual accounts, stories, and lines taken directly from letters between members of the Mozart family, The Other Mozart sheds light on the life of Maria Anna – the gifted sister of Amadeus. Performing alongside her brother to great acclaim across Europe, Maria Anna was eventually side-lined due to societal expectations surrounding the role of women, while Amadeus was free to pursue his passion for music.
Staged in the Assembly Studios, the impressive set design captivates throughout as Galli performs amidst a flowing mass of fabric strewn with letters and writings. These letters become dynamic props, lifted by Maria Anna as she shares correspondence from her family, glowing press reviews, and compliments from dignitaries. In addition to its mesmerising visuals, The Other Mozart is elevated by its haunting and evocative soundscape, composed by Nathan Davis and Phyllis Chen. Harpsichord, piano, and even teacups provide a delicate and innovative sonic accompaniment to this tale of Salzburg’s overlooked musical prodigy.
Running at approximately seventy-five minutes, The Other Mozart offers a well-researched and sharply scripted portrayal of Maria Anna. Milo’s work results in an insightful and poignant tribute to a life filled with promise, stifled by convention. We follow Maria Anna from her early years and shared success with her brother to her growing frustration at being steered towards domesticity, and the burdens of life as a spouse and stepmother.
Nurtured by her father, Maria Anna begins her journey in music with enthusiasm and discipline. However, the arrival of her younger brother – and his extraordinary natural flair – shifts the family’s attention. The production charts the acclaim both siblings received while touring Europe, including performances for royalty. Yet, the emotional core lies in the moment their paths diverge: Wolfgang continues to perform and create, while Maria Anna is pulled away from her passion and into a life considered more ‘appropriate’ for a woman.
The injustice of Maria Anna’s story becomes increasingly apparent as she is pushed into the roles of stepmother and later, mother to her own children. In contrast, her brother – though not hugely successful in his lifetime -was still able to pursue his art while married to Constanze Mozart. One of the show’s comic highlights is Maria Anna’s interaction with her timid sister-in-law during a tense and amusing dinner table scene. This rich, well-judged humour is brought to life by Galli’s impressive comic timing and expressive physicality, without detracting from her ability to embody the emotional depth of the piece.
The Other Mozart is a heartfelt and impressively executed piece of theatre. Through elegant staging and an empathetic performance from Galli, it restores Maria Anna Mozart to the spotlight she so richly deserves – offering audiences a moving glimpse at the silenced voices of history.
The Other Mozart run until August 25. Tickets are available via edfringe.com.
