Month: November 2023

Profane and Sacred City

A Magical Evening: Unveiling the Mysteries

Step into the enchanting world of the 18th century with Gillian McIver a visionary artist and researcher. To kick off her Artist in Residence at Swedenborg House, London, Gillian hosted a captivating event that blended theatre, music, and intellectual discourse.

The evening’s highlight was a staged reading of “Count Cagliostro’s Apologia,” a new play that delves into the enigmatic life of the infamous occultist.



I hosted a captivating event at Swedenborg House in London to inaugurate my Artist in Residence . The evening was a mesmerizing blend of theater, music, and intellectual discourse, offering a glimpse into the artist’s multifaceted creative vision.

A highlight of the event was a staged reading of “Count Cagliostro’s Apologia”, a new play directed by Jagoda Nasic WInter and featuring the acclaimed actor Maurizio Molino. This theatrical exploration delves into the enigmatic life of the 18th-century occultist, Count Cagliostro, promising to captivate audiences with its blend of historical intrigue and supernatural elements.

In addition to the theatrical performance, I gave a talk about the residency and the ambitious project I’m undertaking. The audience was also treated to a preview of tthe forthcoming illustrated book I’m doing with illustrator Anna Chiarini, “The Mystagogue”. This highly anticipated publication promises to offer a unique perspective on magick, alchemy, theatre and art.

Robert Poulter of the New Model Theatre gave an outstanding and thoroughly enjoyable performance of his model theatre show ‘Eidophusikon’ the story of Philip James de Loutherbourg.

The evening concluded with a captivating musical performance by Femi Oriogun-Williams, who brought to life the 18th-century compositions of Jean-Hippolyte Barthelemon (a follower of Swedenborg) through mesmerizing reinterpretation and Femi’s own unique musical compositions for voice and instruments. The performance was enhanced by a visually stunning video created by Cairo artist Marwan Elgamal, creating a truly immersive experience for the audience.

I wanted this event at Swedenborg House to be a testament to my commitment to pushing artistic boundaries and exploring the intersection of history, culture, and the esoteric world of Emanuel Swedenborg and his followers.