From Randy Gener:
How is Camille Claudel doing? Where is the project now in terms of production? Are
there readings? workshops? What interests you about Camille Claudel as a musical
subject?
Saturday, 24 March 2001
Dear Randy - I am actually working very hard on "Camille Claudel" right now. I've already
written a number of songs for the show, but I'm now working purely on the book. This won't be a
quick process as there's an enormous amount of source material to which I will need to keep
referring back. Also, the subject matter is extremely complex, so I'll probably need to do at
least three drafts before we're ready for any kind of workshop.
There are several things that fascinate me about Camille. After having experienced for myself
how difficult it can be for a woman to work in a man's world, I find it amazing to imagine this
girl fighting the same battle over a hundred years ago when it was almost impossible for a woman
to come out on top. She had such guts. She knew she had a formidable talent and she insisted on
driving forward despite the obstacle course. I am also fascinated by her whole relationship with
Rodin and the dynamic when passion interacts with professional competition. Quite frankly, there
is nothing about the whole story that doesn't intrigue me, so this answer could go on forever.
Instead, I think I'd better get back to the computer and actually write the story.