The Self Possessed
The Castrato and The Countertenor: A Spicy Seance.
Two
very queer voices, two very eccentric existences. 18th century European
opera superstar, Gaetano Guardagni duets across 275
years with obscure 21st century Antipodean performance artist Glenn
McKenzie.
Italian born, castrated at nine, nurtured in England by the composer
Handel and the actor/producer Garrick, Gae was celebrated for his
emotive performances of the great men and women of mythology. Most
famous for his creation of Orpheus for Gluck's genre changing 1762
opera, his life was one of delirious adulation, delightful adventure,
and delicious allegation!
Never at home, never belonging, always the
'other', Gae and Glenn have spent their public and private existences
dancing along the razor edge of conventional society's prescription of
class and gender. Now they playfully explore their lives' performance,
both on and off stage, as they search out some authentic sense of self
through a period-incorrect muddle of music and musings. They chat about
vocation, compare experiences, and share songs against a kaleidoscope of
evocative projections, hoping to discover what makes a man.
Music by Gluck, Handel, Puccini, Purcell, Schubert, Vaughan-Williams, Noel Coward, Gilbert & Sullivan, and Billie Eilish. Projections by Japanese/Australian contemporary artist Junko Hagiwara, production by Emma Maguire
Glenn McKenzie is a neurodiverse queer Kiwi actor, musician and writer based in Sydney: their work explores the hidden drives and desires of contemporary society, through a unique blend of theatrical and musical skills.
"a distinctly accomplished artist... enthralling" Melbourne Weekend Notes
"a
consummate performer and inspired composer" NZ Theatreview
Venue Access Information Wheelchair accessible
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Theatre
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$30.00 -
27 February 2025-1 March 2025 -
70 minutes -
St Christopher's -
St Christopher's -
16+ -
Mild Coarse Language, Heavy Nudity, Simulated Blood, Adult Themes
