Midsumma Westside: The Self Possessed

Next date: Thursday, 05 February 2026 | 06:30 PM to 07:45 PM

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.

Purchase tickets here

This production is supported by Maribyrnong City Council as part of the Bluestone Church Arts Space Midsumma Festival Residency program.