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02 Apr

20:00

Plein Theater

Sajetplein 39, Amsterdam

An auto-fictional theatre performance by two (trans) non-binary lovers exploring euphoria and self-determination through wearable sculptures, spoken word, and physical performance. The body is seen as a construction site: fluid, unfinished, and constantly changing.

My body is a temple, until it isn’t

More info & tickets

My body is a temple, until it isn’t

An auto-fictional theatre performance by two (trans) non-binary lovers during their personal search for physicality, identity, and gender. Against the backdrop of an increasingly radicalizing world, they explore a more unguarded, unapologetic attitude by claiming their bodies as a construction site rather than a temple.

At the center of the stage stand two folded, twisted aluminum cubes, partially covered by semi-transparent latex curtains. The set evokes both a nightmare-like operating room and an industrial cocoon or a life-size three-dimensional puzzle. In any case, this space embodies the inner world of An and Lucian—this is their space. Here, they do not have to apologize and can shamelessly explore their trans identity.

Both have a curious and complex relationship with their bodies, as a result of dysphoria, endless attempts to accept their biologically assigned sex, socially imposed transphobia, or simply because bodies can be alienating. In any case, they attempt to gain control over this physicality by adapting it to their own vision. They experiment with orthoses—sculptural bodily extensions that allow them to redefine everything. This act of redefining takes place out loud, with the audience as accomplice. New extensions are tested, old beliefs are dismantled. Again and again, the knife goes in—literally and figuratively.

Their bodies are approached as a construction site: fluid, unfinished and in constant transition. This claim shifts the perspective away from sexualization, misgendering, and dysphoria, toward play, pleasure, euphoria, and self-determination.

Queering Puppets Festival Amsterdam

This performance is part of the Queering Puppets Festival Amsterdam. From Wednesday April 1st to Monday April 6th, the Plein Theater and Cat Smits Company present the fifth anniversary of the festival! Since 2022, Queering Puppets Festival Amsterdam has offered a stage to queer perspectives through groundbreaking forms of visual theater, object theater and puppetry. This quirky festival defies the norm with a motley and bold program full of exuberant, visual outburst from the Netherlands and abroad.