BRIGITTA d'arcy
Brigitta D'Arcy was born in Kiel, Germany, but has spent most of her life in
England.
She started writing poetry and children stories at an early age, but the catalyst
for her was a performance she attended of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical
'The Phantom of the Opera'. This performance touched her soul and she felt
compelled to continue his story.
Brigitta has published two books, as well as numerous poems in various
anthologies: Mystery at the Opera House, a sequel to Gaston Leroux's book
'The Phantom of the Opera', Reflections of the Heart, a collection of poems.
Thank you, my dear friend for this wonderful and interesting interview, and
thank you so much for your great Friendship. You and your lovely daughter are
always my support and I will be always grateful to you!
Sandra - How did you discover your passion for “The Phantom of the Opera”
story?
Brigitta - After reading Gaston Leroux's book The Phantom of the Opera, I
could not get the story out of my mind. I felt there must be to discover. When I
saw Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical which brought to life the Phantom's
story, I knew that I had to pursue this quest to find out more. I was filled with
deep compassion and the need to make people understand the great suffering
anyone with disfigurement or disability has to go though without having to put
up with people's scorn as well.
Sandra - What's your opinion about the main character, Erik?
Brigitta - Erik was without doubt a highly intelligent and multitalented man.
Of strong character, but also very sensitive and emotional. This being the case
he must have felt his disfigurement all the more. He was also given to
outbursts of rage and temper which must, at least in part, be attributed to his
disfigurement and the treatment he experienced at the hand of people and the
world around him. To summarise, a very interesting man who could have
contributed much to the world given the chance.
Sandra - How did the idea of write a novel begin?
Brigitta - All this made me want to write a story about Erik that would reach
people's heart and bring about more understanding. The visit to the Opera
Garnier confirmed my belief that here was a mystery to try and solve. I
alwaysfelt that the end of Gaston Leroux's book left a question mark about the
last days of Erik's life. I felt him in a sort of limbo. By then in any case I felt
almost compelled to write this book wether I wanted or not.
Sandra - What do you think about the possible reality/myth of this story?
Brigitta - This is a very powerful and romantic story which by it's very nature
must touch the heart of many people. However, looking at the things I had
learned in the course of my research at the Opera Garnier, especially fro the
then Public Relations, Madame Renata de Waele, quite apart from my own
inner feeling I would say that there is more to the story than meets the eye.
I think that Erik existed, but in the absence of concrete proof (I learned that a
lot of records of the time had been destroyed) it must remain a mystery.
Sandra - What was your motivation in order to write your most famous book,
The Mystery at the Opera House?
Brigitta - Mystery at the Opera House was written as a tribute to Erik and to
make people realise how much suffering is caused by the attitude of the world
in general. If I feel strongly about any kind of subject it id not difficult for me
transmit my feelings to paper. Also I am always inspired by nature, art, music
and the beauty all around. If only more people would take the time to stop and
look...
I have also been very lucky to have such good friends who helped me make this
lovely CD (Reflections of the Heart). Namely, Rupert, Parker, the Harpist who
composed and played the background music; Roland Harris the engineer who
put it all together. But above all, my good friend the actor David Kerby-Kendall
who reads my poetry and brings it to life with his magic voice. I also have a
lovely daughter who did a lot of the fine drawings.
Sandra - To accomplish your book, did you visit the Paris Opera House?
Brigitta - Yes, I have visited the Opera House in the course of my research.
What can I say? It is the most impressive and beautiful Opera House in the
world. With it's sparkling chandeliers and sweeping marble staircase it is an
architectural masterpiece by Charles Garnier who was far ahead of his time.
Added to that, the haunting tangible atmosphere that envelopes one as soon as
one enters the Foyer...is an overwhelming experience.
I was given permission by then director to see the Opera House from the cellars
to the roof and the feelings and emotions that assailed me, especially n the
underground regions is quite indescribable. I felt the presence of many ghosts
and a very strong presence compelling me to write this book. I often felt that
someone was looking over my shoulder to make sure the story was well written.
Sandra - What are your future projects?
Brigitta - I am writing another book which will be published early next year
2006 (hopefully) . It is called Echoes of a Forgotten Life and Phantom fans may
well find it interesting!
My friend and editor Margaret Nicholson (former Fleet Street Journalist) tells e
that the book, and I quote, is very interesting, unquote. There will be some
fantastic drawings by FdelO of Paris. A lot of people including friends and
family are looking forward to the book and I only hope they will not be
disappointed.
Please, don't copy this text without my permission.
Copyright by Ladyghost.
England.
She started writing poetry and children stories at an early age, but the catalyst
for her was a performance she attended of Sir Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical
'The Phantom of the Opera'. This performance touched her soul and she felt
compelled to continue his story.
Brigitta has published two books, as well as numerous poems in various
anthologies: Mystery at the Opera House, a sequel to Gaston Leroux's book
'The Phantom of the Opera', Reflections of the Heart, a collection of poems.
Thank you, my dear friend for this wonderful and interesting interview, and
thank you so much for your great Friendship. You and your lovely daughter are
always my support and I will be always grateful to you!
Sandra - How did you discover your passion for “The Phantom of the Opera”
story?
Brigitta - After reading Gaston Leroux's book The Phantom of the Opera, I
could not get the story out of my mind. I felt there must be to discover. When I
saw Andrew Lloyd Webber's musical which brought to life the Phantom's
story, I knew that I had to pursue this quest to find out more. I was filled with
deep compassion and the need to make people understand the great suffering
anyone with disfigurement or disability has to go though without having to put
up with people's scorn as well.
Sandra - What's your opinion about the main character, Erik?
Brigitta - Erik was without doubt a highly intelligent and multitalented man.
Of strong character, but also very sensitive and emotional. This being the case
he must have felt his disfigurement all the more. He was also given to
outbursts of rage and temper which must, at least in part, be attributed to his
disfigurement and the treatment he experienced at the hand of people and the
world around him. To summarise, a very interesting man who could have
contributed much to the world given the chance.
Sandra - How did the idea of write a novel begin?
Brigitta - All this made me want to write a story about Erik that would reach
people's heart and bring about more understanding. The visit to the Opera
Garnier confirmed my belief that here was a mystery to try and solve. I
alwaysfelt that the end of Gaston Leroux's book left a question mark about the
last days of Erik's life. I felt him in a sort of limbo. By then in any case I felt
almost compelled to write this book wether I wanted or not.
Sandra - What do you think about the possible reality/myth of this story?
Brigitta - This is a very powerful and romantic story which by it's very nature
must touch the heart of many people. However, looking at the things I had
learned in the course of my research at the Opera Garnier, especially fro the
then Public Relations, Madame Renata de Waele, quite apart from my own
inner feeling I would say that there is more to the story than meets the eye.
I think that Erik existed, but in the absence of concrete proof (I learned that a
lot of records of the time had been destroyed) it must remain a mystery.
Sandra - What was your motivation in order to write your most famous book,
The Mystery at the Opera House?
Brigitta - Mystery at the Opera House was written as a tribute to Erik and to
make people realise how much suffering is caused by the attitude of the world
in general. If I feel strongly about any kind of subject it id not difficult for me
transmit my feelings to paper. Also I am always inspired by nature, art, music
and the beauty all around. If only more people would take the time to stop and
look...
I have also been very lucky to have such good friends who helped me make this
lovely CD (Reflections of the Heart). Namely, Rupert, Parker, the Harpist who
composed and played the background music; Roland Harris the engineer who
put it all together. But above all, my good friend the actor David Kerby-Kendall
who reads my poetry and brings it to life with his magic voice. I also have a
lovely daughter who did a lot of the fine drawings.
Sandra - To accomplish your book, did you visit the Paris Opera House?
Brigitta - Yes, I have visited the Opera House in the course of my research.
What can I say? It is the most impressive and beautiful Opera House in the
world. With it's sparkling chandeliers and sweeping marble staircase it is an
architectural masterpiece by Charles Garnier who was far ahead of his time.
Added to that, the haunting tangible atmosphere that envelopes one as soon as
one enters the Foyer...is an overwhelming experience.
I was given permission by then director to see the Opera House from the cellars
to the roof and the feelings and emotions that assailed me, especially n the
underground regions is quite indescribable. I felt the presence of many ghosts
and a very strong presence compelling me to write this book. I often felt that
someone was looking over my shoulder to make sure the story was well written.
Sandra - What are your future projects?
Brigitta - I am writing another book which will be published early next year
2006 (hopefully) . It is called Echoes of a Forgotten Life and Phantom fans may
well find it interesting!
My friend and editor Margaret Nicholson (former Fleet Street Journalist) tells e
that the book, and I quote, is very interesting, unquote. There will be some
fantastic drawings by FdelO of Paris. A lot of people including friends and
family are looking forward to the book and I only hope they will not be
disappointed.
Please, don't copy this text without my permission.
Copyright by Ladyghost.
