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Like Lovers Do (Memoirs of Medusa)" is written by Sivan Ben Yishai. The poetic, post-dramatic, and repetitive text explores the role of sexual relationships throughout history, particularly in relation to gender, power dynamics, and internalization. In this version, the elements of playfulness, innocence, and violence interact to explore our role in the creation and maintenance of the patriarchal structure around us. While we may be victims, we are also all perpetrators. The the myth of Medusa is used as a starting point, presenting her as history's first victim of rape. According to the myth, she was raped by Poseidon in Athena's temple, and as punishment (and perhaps protection), Athena transformed her into the monster we know today, with snakes for hair and a gaze that turns men to stone. The text explores how members of a patriarchy, from an early age, undergo a transformation into 'the Medusa' as a means of survival. The only continuous storyline in the text is that of five friends who meet at the age of 12 in a café and dream about their future lives. All their dreams follow norms that they unconsciously adopt and integrate into their belief system

LIKE LOVERS DO
(MEMOIRS OF MEDUSA)

 

STOCKHOLM STADSTEATER 2024

BY:
Sivan Ben Yishai

DIRECTOR: Helle Rossing

SET AND COSTUME DESIGN: Siri Areyuna Wilhelmsson

LIGHTNING DESIGN: Sofie Gynning

SOUND DESIGN/KOMPOSITION: Ella Blixt

MAKEUP DESIGN: Linda Gonçalves


CAST: John Njie, Isabelle Kyed, Daniel Nyström, Jenny Möller Jensen, Sara Shirpey

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PRESS:
 

“It’s truly high time that Swedish audiences get acquainted with this intelligent playwright.” - Aftonbladet 

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"In Helle Rossing, she has also found an interpreter who knows how to push the boundaries. When everything has collapsed and the ensemble has been stripped down to the bare skin, she lets their bodies take over and end up in places where they’re usually not allowed to be. A pair of breasts on a head, a belly that is simply allowed to take over. A cake is devoured along the way, the lights come up in the auditorium, and the party is a fact. Another world is possible." - DN

 

“It became so disturbing and intense that I almost wanted to shout: ‘Not all men!’” - SVD

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“A cheeky and deliberate reclaiming of the myth of the ‘female monster’ Medusa in a bold and consciously physical portrayal.” - Aftonbladet

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“A post‑patriarchal manifesto in a hazy, post‑dramatic form.” - Aftonbladet

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“A delight to experience." - DN

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Read more: 

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https://kulturhusetstadsteatern.se/teater/fordjupning-like-lovers-do

 

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