HEAVY DUTY

by Luca Bonamore

Flexing the muscles, lifting bars, flirting at the water dispenser, and checking one another out in the changing room. After his debut Lamentations (Rakete Festival 2023), Luca Bonamore continues his explorations of queer cruising – this time, however, he relocates it from the public toilet to the gym. As a temple to the cult of the body and a place to (covertly) search for (a) partner(s), the gym not only stands for bodies of steel but also for issues regarding the pressure to perform, shame, and norms. Heavy Duty is a fairytale frenzy that blurs realities and ascriptions. In collaboration with Fran Klein, Bonamore challenges the performance of masculinity within queer culture and sexuality. The piece examines the complex dynamics and often toxic codes. A playful choreography emerges from physical contact, tenderness, pole dancing, callisthenics, and intimate encounters. Heavy Duty explores the various forms ‘masculinity’ may take and how masculine-presenting bodies approach one another.

For the sound, Zosia Hołubowska composed several tracks as well as designed an audio-reactive system for the scenography.

Premiered at Tanz Quartier 31.01.2025

credits:

Concept, Artistic Direction, Choreography Luca Bonamore Performance Luca Bonamore, Fran Klein Dramaturgy Olivia Axel Scheucher

Production Management Theo Emil Krausz Music, Sound Design Zosia Hołubowska Set Design Christiane Peschek Assistant Set Design

Sophia Gatzkan Lighting Design Leo Kuraite Styling, Costume amaaenaStudio Outside Eyes Claire Lefèvre, Eike Wittrock

Technical Stage Assistance Niko Naderer Administration Takelage

Thanks to Roland Horvath

A co-production of Luca Bonamore and Tanzquartier Wien. With the support of the Cultural Department of the City of Vienna and the Federal Ministry for Arts, Culture, the Civil Service and Sport.

Luca Bonamore is a dancer, choreographer, and performer born in Rome and currently working as a freelancer in Vienna.

https://www.instagram.com/luca.bonamore/