Philip Venables: The Gender Agenda & 4:48 Psychosis

The composer Philip Venables has two challenging works being performed in London during April. His 2016 opera 4:48 Psychosis returns to the Lyric Hammersmith in the Royal Opera's production, whilst The Gender Agenda is performed by the London Sinfonietta at the Southbank Centre on 12 April.

Venables' 4:48 Psychosis is inspired by Sarah Kane's final play, directed by Ted Huffman with Gweneth-Ann Rand, Lucy Schaufer, Samantha Price, Susanna Hurrell, Lucy Hall and Rachael Lloyd. Kane’s play, first performed posthumously in 2000, draws on her own struggles with depression. It does not specify cast or stage directions, presenting 24 fragmented episodes; dark and at times harrowing, but leavened with poetry, humour and a humane warmth. Venables sets the play for six female singers and chamber ensemble.

Further information from the Royal Opera House website.

A challenge of a different sort is presented in The Gender Agenda. Performance artist David Hoyle will be the gameshow host and compère for the world premiere of Venables’ The Gender Agenda. The newly re-opened Queen Elizabeth Hall will be turned into a gameshow and its audience into contestants. Complete with challenges and commercials, The Gender Agenda includes all the gameshow features you’d expect, but turned on its head – think The Generation Game meets South Park to create an irreverent and funny exploration of gender (in)equality, with various rounds that reflect gender issues such as manspreading, genderising children and female hair removal. The London Sinfonietta is conducted by Jessica Cottis, and Ted Huffman directs.

Further information from the Southbank Centre website.