In 17th-century Italy, a barber expands his small business into castration. For the love of opera, he contemplates sacrificing his sons’ futures (and balls), taking career advice along the way from God, the Pope, and the ghost of Micheal Jackson.
Castrati is an original half-hour animated comedy show by Anna Danshina set in 17th-century Italy, when art, religion, and exploitation collide. A witty, dark comedy, the series follows a small-town barber who, inspired by the glamour of great opera and the promise of fame, expands his small trade into the business of castration. Convinced he is acting out of love and devotion to art, he is willing to offer himself and both his sons to the dream of musical immortality.
On the surface, it may be seen as a story about ambition and family in another century, but underneath, it’s a story about our society right now. Across time, the sacrifices don’t disappear, they just change shapes. We no longer remove testicles for the sake of art, but we still reshape our bodies, chop our noses and remove ribs for beauty, success and money. This isn’t a story about the past, it’s about what we are still willing to give up for art…. (or money?)
It’s a comedy show about family, showbiz and having, or losing, your balls!
STORYWORLD
In a small Italian village near Bologna, there is a famous school for castrati singers which is the “dream factory” of its time. Once a year, a representative from one of Italy’s great opera houses arrives to select the next stars. It’s like Eurovision meets Met Gala. This village lives off music, ambition and gossip. Religion is everywhere. And occasionally a ghost of Michael Jackson appears from the future to give career advice.
SIMILAR SHOWS
Castrati is a fresh, original show but tonally, and in terms of humor, the following shows are creative reference points…
COMING SOON…
CASTRATI
Adult animated dark comedy set in 17th Italy about showbiz, family and balls.
8 × 22 mins
Created by Anna Danshina
PALAD Entertainment