The Self Possessed

The Castrato & The Countertenor: Two very QUEER voices

18th century European opera superstar, Gaetano Guardagni duets across 275 years with obscure 21st century Kiwi performance artist Glenn McKenzie to unravel the mystery of "What Was I Made For?"

In 2026 Gae is now forgotten but for a single history-making collaboration: his innovative creation of Orpheus for Gluck's genre changing opera of 1762. Italian born, castrated at nine, nurtured in England by the composer Handel and the actor/producer Garrick, Gae was celebrated for his wayward lifestyle, emotive acting abilities and his expressive mezzo-soprano voice.

During "The Self Possessed", Gae and Glenn playfully explore their lives' performance - both on and off stage - looking for their true selves amongst the many characters they have pretended to be. Together they search out some authentic sense of self through a "period-incorrect" muddle of music and musings, against a kaleidoscope of evocative projections. But the shattering of the performance mask concealing disability reveals the true cost of pursuing safety & acceptance.

"The Self Possessed" is a showcase of performance and vocal repertoire from over 3 centuries. It features works written by Handel, Gluck, Scarlatti, Gilbert & Sullivan, Noel Coward, and Billie Eilish.

Glenn McKenzie is a neurodiverse queer Kiwi actor, musician and writer. They have spent over half a century performing worldwide. Glenn performed to acclaim at the 2018/19 New Zealand, Melbourne, & Newcastle Fringe Festivals in "Evensong", a portrait of Shakespeare's lover-muse Mr. W.H. In 2020 they toured "Lamentation", a dramatic cantata featuring the Lamentations as set by Couperin, exploring the emotional experience of those dispossessed by war & disaster. Glenn's work explores the hidden drives and desires of contemporary society, through their unique blend of theatrical and musical skills.