Even before the Corona crisis, choreographer Chris Leuenberger and director Marcel Schwald were interested in bodies that must not come into contact with others. The traditional male image, for example, has always been forbidden to be suspected of being homosexual. From an early age, boys are discouraged from exchanging tender platonic touches with other boys. The American author Mark Greene speaks of “touch isolation” in this context. What impact does this phenomenon have on our society? After Schwald/Leuenberger consulted stories from India for their examination of femininity (“Ef_femininity,” 2018), in their latest work they reflect on masculinity using role models from the USA. They take the American image production industry, which sets the tone worldwide, as a foil to reveal a view of more disarmed, negotiable masculinities. With three US-American dancers, Schwald/Leuenberger make trained physicalities and the stories behind them the dance-documentary center of their work.
by Marcel Schwald
Cast
A co-production within the framework of the organizer fund of Reso - Tanznetzwerk Schweiz. Supported by Pro Helvetia, Swiss Arts Council. Co-production Dampfzentrale Bern, Kaserne Basel and Hellerau - European Center for the Arts, with the support of Tanzhaus Zürich.
With the kind support of Fachausschuss Tanz & Theater BS/BL, Kultur Stadt Bern, SWISSLOS/Kultur Kanton Bern, Pro Helvetia, Migros Kulturprozent, Burgergemeinde Bern, Ernst Göhner Stiftung, Landis & Gyr Stiftung, Kulturfonds der Société Suisse des Auteurs SSA, Schweizerische Interpretenstiftung SIS.
Artistic direction: Marcel Schwald, Chris Leuenberger
Dance, choreography, performance: André Chapatte, Andy Santana, Brandon Woods, Chris Leuenberger
Music, Sound, Performance: Thomas Jeker
Costume & stage: Salome Egger
Dramaturgy: Merel Heering
Light & Technique: Thomas Kohler
Outside Eye: Jonas Gillmann, Matthew Rogers
Assistance: Manuel Zizzari
Production Management Maxine Devaud, Sabine Jud