PHILIP VENABLES: ILLUSIONS

“Democracy is an illusion; gender is an illusion.” This anarchic ‘party political broadcast’ takes an unforgiving view of modern society, first performed two days after the 2015 General Election and now reworked for the New Music Biennial 2017. Tackling themes of power, greed, emotion and sexuality, Philip Venables’ brash musical style combines with David Hoyle’s vibrant, direct and uncompromising performance art to startling effect.

Philip Venables Illusions (2015)(world premiere of reworked version)

David Hoyle performance artist on video
Richard Baker conductor
London Sinfonietta

This piece contains violent imagery and drug references

Suitable for ages 18+ only

A Blue Touch Paper project, in which we light the fuse of new work with different art forms in alternative spaces.

Illusions is part of PRS for Music Foundation’s New Music Biennial which is run in partnership with Hull UK City of Culture, BBC Radio 3, Southbank Centre and supported by Paul Hamlyn Foundation, Arts Council England, Arts Council of Wales, Creative Scotland, The John S Cohen Foundation, the Jerwood Charitable Foundation, The Finzi Trust, RVW Trust, The Bliss Trust and NMC Recordings.