Stories about hugs

Stories About Hugs

“Stories about Hugs” (2020) was a physical theatre play that conveyed the stories of gay/queer migrant* men in Vienna. Through movement and spoken word, the play highlighted vulnerability and deconstructed the role of a “real man” and manhood. Stories and themes amongst the gay community which are less visible were presented through questioning stereotypes, racism, migration, social networks and online dating, sex, HIV etc. Two bodies on the stage flowed from softness and sensitivity til tension and anger. Intimacy and exposure in between two men. “Stories about Hugs” were saying that there are so many different ways to hug someone, to be there for the other. The piece was questioning migration from the point of home that was left behind.

                       How the fact that we migrated is affecting the ways of building relations with other men? What is the danger of a “single story”? 

“Our history,background,experiences are much more than what you’ve seen in the media or internet.” 

“Stories about Hugs” aim is to show that behind each sexualy objectifed male  body there’s a vulnerable, real and authentic being.

“Can I rest in your hug for a while?“ 

Direction and screenplay: 

Danilo Jovanović

Stage partners and content co-creators: 

Noël Iglessias and Danilo Jovanović

Dramaturgy: 

Flávia Mudesto

Light design: 

Flávia Mudesto

Music: 

Iva Olo; 

Hibrid

Sound assistant: 

Flávia Mudesto

Visual identity: 

Vanja Lazić

Photographer: 

Luiz Lima

Video production: 

Barbara Palomin, Miae Son & Ipek Hamzaoğlu

Supported by: Kültür Gemma!