”Katalogaria. En lista över alla våra ligg” is a performance piece created by the Swedish creative cluster Rabbit Hole, featuring actors Emelie Garbers, Lilja Fredrikson, and Bianca Cruzeiro, with Sara Giese as director and scriptwriter. The piece revolves around the theme of casual sexual encounters, exploring the intimate and often overlooked aspects of these brief connections. It aims to reframe the narrative surrounding casual sex, often portrayed negatively, especially for women, and instead celebrate these experiences as potentially meaningful moments of human connection. The performance draws inspiration from various sources, including Kerstin Thorvall’s autobiographical work and Mozart’s ”Don Giovanni,” utilizing the concept of a ”catalog” to list and reflect on past sexual encounters.
The performance takes the audience on a journey through a collection of intimate stories, candidly shared by the performers. These anecdotes range from humorous and lighthearted to poignant and reflective, offering a glimpse into the diverse spectrum of human experiences within the realm of casual sex. One story recounts the anticlimactic experience of a four-year-long ”longest foreplay” resulting in a disappointing ”unsync.” Another shares the painful experience of being ghosted and slut-shamed by a former lover within Stockholm’s ballet world. This blend of humor and vulnerability allows the audience to connect with the performers on a personal level, creating a sense of shared experience and understanding.
The development of ”Katalogaria” involved a collaborative process where Giese interviewed Garbers and Fredrikson about their sexual experiences, recording these conversations to capture the nuances and intimacy of their sharing. This process not only served as the foundation for the script but also fostered a deep sense of trust and openness amongst the performers. The goal was to recreate the atmosphere of intimate conversations between close friends, allowing the audience to feel included in this private world. This approach contributes to the raw, unfiltered, and ultimately engaging quality of the performance. The rapid-fire delivery of the stories and the performers’ direct engagement with the audience further enhance this intimate connection.
The performers’ backgrounds in dance contribute significantly to the aesthetic and emotional impact of the piece. Their movements infuse the performance with a sense of sensuality and physicality, complementing the often humorous tone of the stories. The incorporation of sweat, moans, slow-motion sequences, and other physical expressions adds layers of meaning and emotional resonance to the narratives. This blend of physicality and spoken word creates a dynamic and engaging experience for the audience, drawing them deeper into the world of the performance. The combination results in frequent bursts of laughter from the audience, demonstrating the relatable and engaging nature of the piece.
Beyond the personal stories, ”Katalogaria” explores broader themes of intimacy, connection, and vulnerability. It highlights the potential for even fleeting encounters to hold significance and impact one’s life. The performance challenges conventional perceptions of casual sex, emphasizing that these interactions, regardless of their duration, can be deeply meaningful and transformative. This message resonates with the audience, who see reflections of their own experiences and emotions in the stories shared on stage. The performers’ willingness to share their personal experiences contributes to the intimacy and authenticity of the piece, creating a powerful connection with the audience.
The creative process behind ”Katalogaria” was driven by a desire for a purely pleasure-driven project. This focus on pleasure translates into a performance that is bold, honest, and ultimately liberating. The performers embraced vulnerability and authenticity, trusting that their genuine engagement with the material would resonate with the audience. This approach paid off, resulting in a performance that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The piece challenges societal norms and expectations surrounding sex and intimacy, offering a fresh and empowering perspective. The raw and unfiltered nature of the performance, coupled with the performers’ evident enjoyment, creates a contagious energy that captivates the audience.
