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Description
The project “Tumor: polyamor” aims to research and link two insufficiently discussed phenomena: experience with cancer and its advanced metastasis; and the phenomenon of open relationships and polyamory. “Tumor: polyamor” will be a sequel to previous performance “Tumor: carcinogenic romance” in which Czech-Scandinavian performance group T.I.T.S. for the first time connected cancer and love in one performative metaphor.
Cancer affects nearly every family in both Czech and Norway. Tumors are widely discussed from a medical point of view, but a wider reflection on how it is to live with cancer, how people feel, what they experience or how people around them behave, is missing. Open relationships or polyamory as a lifestyle or philosophy are a minority in the European society. Public discussion is in infancy. Open and polyamorous relationships exist, but they are often ostracized or subjected to simple condemning reflections.
In the same way, as tumors often reappear transformed in the body of its host and create metastasis, “Tumor: polyamor” will continue researching the unusual connection of cancer and love, and metamorphosing it in a new mutated way. There will be more characters entering the love equation this time: f.e. a tumor metastasis, a doctor (as an intimate partner between man and tumor) or an actual lover. Can they all coexist in a sustainable loving long-term relationship?
Between 2021-2023 A Studio Rubín, Pikene pa Broen and T.I.T.S. will organize 20 performances with an accompanying program of 10 online video interviews, 1 site-specific performance, 4 lectures with debate/talk and 1 workshop with a closing performative happening. The project targets the general audience while closely cooperating with people affected by cancer and their loved ones, and people living in or curious about open relationships and polyamory including LGBTQ minorities. It aims to open and stimulate the much-needed discussion around the above-described topics.
Summary of project results
The project ''Tumor Polyamor'' aimed to research and connect two insufficiently discussed phenomena: experiences with cancer and polyamory in Czech and Norwegian society. The performance initiated a discussion regarding a broader reflection on what it is like to live with both phenomena. The accompanying program focused on sharing experiences and empowering the individuals involved. The project was also influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, which led to a postponement of its start
The performance "Tumor Polyamor," was rehearsed which follows award-winning production (Thalia Award 2022) "Tumor: Carcinogenic Romance." Both productions utilize innovative audiovisual methods and are based on interviews with respondents who have experience with the investigated phenomena: cancer and alternative forms of relationships. "Polyamor" showcasing the metaphor of tumor proliferation and polyamorous relationships, and seeks to break the taboo surrounding these topics through accompanying programs (discussions, lectures, artistic installations, and workshops), as well as through visibility in the media (videos and podcasts with respondents, based on whose experiences the script of the production is derived). The "Carcinogenic Romance" was presented 7x in regions, "Polyamor" 14x at A Studio Rubin, and both were performed as site-specific productions during a residency in Norway. In discussions emerged that the performances provide a new non-medical perspective on cancer.
The aim of the project was to open a discussion about polyamory and cancer from the perspective of everyday life through an innovative audiovisual theatrical format. The performance offers a reflection on both phenomena, and its script is based on research from the Czech and Norwegian contexts. The accompanying program focused on sharing experiences (lectures), a therapeutic perspective (workshops) and artistic reflection (installations). Polyamor remains in the repertoire of A Studio Rubin.
Summary of bilateral results
Thanks to collaboration with bilateral partner Pikene pa Broen, the project promoter gained much deeper insight into the social phefonemas: life with cancer and polyamory, because respondents from Czech and Norway were used for a script . Also thanks to opportunity to perform Tumor: Carconogenic Romance and Tumor: Polymamor within the rezidency in the Kirkenes, the project promoter received valuable feedback from a more diverse and mulitucultural audiences. From an artistic perspective, it was very beneficial to work with an independent entity that hosts international projects, and their curatorial approach was very inspirating. For A Studio Rubin it was first experience present our work internationally and we are convinced that our approcach and especially the topics addressed by the performance were also beneficial for the Norwegian side and opened up a new discussion in the local community.