The Sun Palace: Cragmor TB Sanatorium Hyperopera by Philip Blackburn by innova Recordings

Repository for work in progress. UCCS, Berger Hall, Nov 2, 2012

Draft description:

The Sun Palace is a multi-media performance that pays tribute to the history of Cragmor in its heyday as a tuberculosis sanatorium; the nation’s premier such institution. In the early years of the 20th century it flourished as a luxury establishment for wealthy society elites from far and wide to rest and chase the cure of America’s leading cause of death: TB. The fresh air and sunshine offered the best prescription for treating the disease that had no other cure at that time. Cragmor attracted the richest victims, including many celebrities and artists who mentioned that they were ‘vacationing in Colorado’ until further notice (such was the stigma of the disease). Some stayed behind after their recovery and helped Colorado Springs prosper. Thus a bacterium led to the creation of a sizeable city.

The Sun Palace draws on descriptions of daily life at the TB Mecca and the artistic output of the residents; painters, composers, singers, photographers, poets, and dancers. Approximately an hour in duration, it is not a historical documentary so much as a cultural remix; an immersive environment of sights, sounds, and movement that together epitomize the experience of the place: merry melancholy, where sunbathing and parties are routine, and death is as present as the view of Pikes’ Peak.

Antibiotic-resistant strains of TB are currently making a comeback around the world, often in conjunction with HIV infection. This performance will evoke parallels between these deadly plagues and the stigmas associated with them, while celebrating the joys of life and healing.

Contains tracks

• Lungers by innova Recordings
• The Plague by innova Recordings
• Stentorian Lane by innova Recordings
• Macleish and the Germ of an Idea by innova Recordings
• Cragmor Scrapbook by innova Recordings