DEAR FRAIL MALE

Just imagine: on the way home, you are suddenly approached by a group of fifteen boys. They ask questions – about ‘what’ you are, what you’re wearing. Whether you have a dick or not. Taken off guard by the event, you’re unable to respond as you would like. Or ask the right questions back. Never mind being able to wittily point out just how pathetic and stupid your aggressors really are. And, in the heat of the moment, there’s absolutely no way you could find any understanding of the reasons why these ‘child-men’ are shouting insults at you. 

But what if you could? 

In DEAR FRAIL MALE, Just gives the memory outlined above a new form. Supported by men, Just plunges into these boys’ struggles with their search for an identity, in a society that sees aggression as strength and vulnerability as weakness. As well as a riposte to this outdated, widespread view of masculinity, the production is a passionate attempt to inspire men to take a step towards emancipation.

Concept, direction, performance | Just van Bommel
Performance | Michael Wanga
Niels van Heijningen
Composition, sound design | Annelinde Bruijs
Scenography and light design | Erik van de Wijdeven
Costume design | Ulkuhan Akgul
Coach | Selm Merel Wenselaers
Esther Snelder
Director | Lisa Verbelen
Sparring partner | Emma van den Elshout
Photographer | Bas de Brouwer
Thanks to Lotte Laurens, Megan de Kruijf en (the work of) Esther Perel, Paul B. Preciado, David Diop, Virginie Despentes, Greyson Perry en Hannah Gadsby

“The combination of mockery and empathy makes Just van Bommel’s ‘Dear Frail Male’ a brilliant act of defiance.” ★★★★ de Volkskrant
“A tour de force that holds up a mirror to the average man…” Valentijn de Hingh, De Correspondent
“I think everyone is afraid of men, including men of each other.” Interview in Het Parool
“The story is reflective, sometimes like a wistful look back at life. About all you have to miss as a man – and that’s a lot!” Theaterkrant

Press here for more information and tickets.