Profane & Sacred City

EVENT: Profane & Sacred City

DATE: 18th November 2023 - 18th November 2023

TIME: 6.30PM - 9.00PM (Doors open 6.00 pm)

VENUE: SWEDENBORG HOUSE

SPEAKER/S: GILLIAN MCIVER

Profane & Sacred City

A live performance of the Prologue of The Apologia of Count Cagliostro, a play in development written by Gillian McIver and directed by Jagoda Winter, Maurizio Molino will play the enigmatic and compelling Alessandro Cagliostro (1743-1795).

A performance by Robert Poulter with his renowned faithful recreation of Philip James de Loutherbourg (1740-1812)’s Eidophusikon, a mechanical theatre simulating landscapes and weather. Poulter will perform his New Model Theatre’s play Pandemonium, which features ‘de Loutherbourg and Gainsborough in a double act’ and ‘tells of de Loutherbourg’s life and work within his own Eidophusikon and paintings’ (source).

A short video piece by the artist Marwan Elgamal, with musical and spoken accompaniment by Femi Oriogun-Williams who will engage with the music of Swedenborgian composer François-Hippolyte Barthélémon (1741-1808).

An exclusive preview of Gillian McIver’s upcoming graphic novel about de Loutherbourg which features Swedenborg, illustrated by Anna Chiarini.

https://www.swedenborg.org.uk/events/profane-sacred-city

During my process as a director for "Profane and Sacred City," Gillian McIver, who was an artist-in-residence at Swedenborg House, invited me to direct a monologue she had written. I had previously worked with Maurizio Molino, and Gillian saw him performing, believing he would be perfect for the role of Cagliostro.
As we began working together, our focus was on practicing the monologue, which was eventually performed to a sold-out audience at Swedenborg House. The positive response from the attendees encouraged us to further develop the project, transforming it into a full-fledged play.

APOLOGIA

Every era has its enigmas, and the 18th century was no exception. Among its luminaries, Count Cagliostro stands apart—a dazzling figure often overshadowed by his own legend. The tales surrounding him are many, weaving a narrative of mysticism, alchemy, and courtly intrigue. But who was the man behind the grand title and even grander tales?

Cagliostro's life was a tapestry of vibrant threads, some shimmering with brilliance and others shadowed by controversy. While the world saw him as an alchemist, a healer, or even a charlatan, I see a complex individual—a man constantly in search of identity, understanding, and a place in a world that often seemed bewildering. His journey, marked by both triumphs and trials, speaks to the universal human experience of seeking purpose and connection.

As a director, my mission goes beyond merely retelling his story. It is about diving deep into Cagliostro's psyche, exploring the nuances of his character, and understanding the forces that shaped him. It is about capturing the essence of a man who, despite his larger-than-life persona, grappled with emotions, desires, and vulnerabilities like any other.

Working alongside Maurizio, the gifted actor portraying Cagliostro, our collaborative journey becomes even more enriching. Together, we strive to peel back the layers, delving into the mind and heart of this multifaceted individual. Through rigorous rehearsals, discussions, and character explorations, Maurizio and I aim to present Cagliostro in his truest form—not just as a historical figure but as a living, breathing entity, palpable in his joys, sorrows, and internal conflicts.

In our quest, Swedenborg House provides a nurturing backdrop, offering us the space and ambiance to explore, experiment, and eventually, embody Cagliostro's spirit. Our collective endeavor is not merely to narrate a tale but to resurrect a soul, ensuring that the true essence of Count Cagliostro resonates with our audience, transcending time and reminding us all of the intricate tapestry of the human spirit.

A Token of Appreciation: Working alongside Gillian McIver

In this theatrical journey, I must extend a heartfelt acknowledgment to my producer Gillian McIver. Based in London, Gillian is not just an artist but wears multiple hats - an art historian, filmmaker, and curator. Her deep dive during her residency at Swedenborg House has seen her exploring the life and works of Swedenborg’s associate, the artist Philip James de Loutherbourg. Investigating Loutherbourg’s occult practices, theatre work, paintings, friendships (with Cagliostro, Gainsborough and others) and his groundbreaking inventions, Gillian’s discoveries and collaborations will be manifested in exhibitions and live performances at Swedenborg House during the residency.

Yours,

Jagoda N. Winter