Ahead of Henriette Laursens' new solo-show opening at the Bread & Roses Theatre, we chatted with her about Going Straight to Gay (or somewhere in-between)...
What inspired you to create this show? Why this story?
As straight forward as it may sound my first gay relationship inspired this piece. I suddenly found myself in situations I’d never experienced in straight relationships, and as frustrating as it was, it’s just as funny looking back. I have an anthropology degree so I always saw myself as someone who was not defined by gender stereotypes, but being with a woman I learned that I’m just as much part of it as anyone else. I suddenly had to redefine myself as a partner, when I no longer had the gender stereotypes to fall back on. Furthermore, I experienced people treating us differently and we became the object of attention without doing anything other than show affection for one another. We were being sexualized for being in love. That was tough. I think this piece can help cast some light on how we see gender and relationships and hopefully the more we do so, it can make it a bit easier for LGBT+ community in the future.
What inspired you to create this show? Why this story?
As straight forward as it may sound my first gay relationship inspired this piece. I suddenly found myself in situations I’d never experienced in straight relationships, and as frustrating as it was, it’s just as funny looking back. I have an anthropology degree so I always saw myself as someone who was not defined by gender stereotypes, but being with a woman I learned that I’m just as much part of it as anyone else. I suddenly had to redefine myself as a partner, when I no longer had the gender stereotypes to fall back on. Furthermore, I experienced people treating us differently and we became the object of attention without doing anything other than show affection for one another. We were being sexualized for being in love. That was tough. I think this piece can help cast some light on how we see gender and relationships and hopefully the more we do so, it can make it a bit easier for LGBT+ community in the future.
What have been some of the highlights in the development of Going Straight to Gay?
I love to use my experiences from my own life and turn them into stories and scripts. I think the main highlight has been taking some of the episodes that really challenged me throughout my relationships and make them into something we can all laugh at. Not to neglect the importance of it, but instead to not let it control the here and now. If we can’t laugh about it, then what can we do?
Who should see this show?
Anyone who has ever dated anyone or been in a relationship. And if you’ve never dated anyone, but are interested in knowing something about it, this is also the show for you. My show covers not only my experiences with homo-sexual relationship but it also covers my experiences with former straight relationships. I think everyone who sees my show can recognise a thing or two from their own relationship whether that being with or without a same sex partner. And in the end this show is all about having a laugh, so if you like a laugh, this show is for you.
What attracted you to stage this production at The Bread & Roses Theatre?
This is in many ways a very personal piece, so I needed the performance venue to be somewhere with the experience and support of LGBT+ community. This is exactly why The Bread & Roses Theatre was a perfect fit.
I love to use my experiences from my own life and turn them into stories and scripts. I think the main highlight has been taking some of the episodes that really challenged me throughout my relationships and make them into something we can all laugh at. Not to neglect the importance of it, but instead to not let it control the here and now. If we can’t laugh about it, then what can we do?
Who should see this show?
Anyone who has ever dated anyone or been in a relationship. And if you’ve never dated anyone, but are interested in knowing something about it, this is also the show for you. My show covers not only my experiences with homo-sexual relationship but it also covers my experiences with former straight relationships. I think everyone who sees my show can recognise a thing or two from their own relationship whether that being with or without a same sex partner. And in the end this show is all about having a laugh, so if you like a laugh, this show is for you.
What attracted you to stage this production at The Bread & Roses Theatre?
This is in many ways a very personal piece, so I needed the performance venue to be somewhere with the experience and support of LGBT+ community. This is exactly why The Bread & Roses Theatre was a perfect fit.