Satie and Suzanne

In 1983, composer Erik Satie has a brief passionate love affair with painter Suzanne Valadon. Seventeen years later, the river Seine breaks its banks, flooding most Paris. Pursued by the surging waters, Suzanne (played by Veronica Tenn) seeks refuge in the after hours cafe in Montmartre. There she encounter her former lover Erik Satie (played by Nicholas Pennell). As the flood waters rise, the cast of trapped cafe denizens including four exotic contortionists and a jester from Cirque du Soleil blend their expressive styles under the guidance of Cirque du Soleil choreographer Debra Brown. The poignant story of reconciliatory love unfolds as we are entranced the cafe patrons´ fantastical machinations, set against Erik Satie´s mystical piano works. This program was aired as a CBC special. Viewer reaction was very positive. They were happy to know that the program will be available on home video through Philips Classics.