An insight into men's thoughts and feelings

What do you think “When What I Really Want Is for You to Hold Me” by Katja Brita Lindeberg Productions was about?

The performance was about 3 men who took part in an interview. Along the way, they are asked questions about how they feel about being a man. The men explore, talk to each other about, and sometimes, react to the questions. They simply behave as normal men would in such a situation, and many emotions are aroused. The performance is based on interviews with young men, and 80% of the lines are direct quotes. 

Kathrine, 15 years old 

What are your thoughts on the show as a whole?

What made When I Really Want You to Stay Around Me exciting was the way the actors played it out. There was a good variety between dance, drama and a little music which meant I didn't get bored. In addition, the actors were very good at expressing emotions with their body language. They were easy to read, which made the theme come across well.  

Olivia, 15 years old

What do you think of the costumes? 

They wear many different costumes, and they all have their own meaning. They wore superhero costumes at the beginning, which symbolizes that men should be “the hero”, men should take care of everyone around them and show that they are not weak and vulnerable. The actors also used monkey masks as a symbol that men are “stupid” and “wild”, but they wanted to convey that this is not how reality really is.  

Maya, 15 years old 

Can you say something about the scenes?

The backdrops are designed as a garage, a bar, or a basement. There are many decorations that make it a masculine room. They use many props along the way that build up the message: men's feelings, what they struggle with in everyday life. The backdrops are good, and fit well. It feels more real when you use such realistic backdrops.

Bertine, 15 years old

Is there anything you would like to highlight that was particularly good, and do you see any points for improvement? 

I thought When What I Really Want Is for You to Hold Me was very interesting and nice. It was based on an important theme and was played out in a cool way, so I was never bored. It is mentioned in the play that men feel they are becoming more and more oppressed, 70% of those who commit suicide are men, and that men are often seen as stupid or wild. The play gives you a new perspective on the topic and you feel compassion for the characters. I was left with an understanding of how it feels for them, and for young men in general. Something I thought was incredibly cool was that 80% of all the lines were direct quotes from interviews that the play is based on.  

I would say that this play is best suited for high school students. So around 16+, which they have set as the target group. The piece is perfect for slightly older school rivers. Both for boys - who can feel seen, and for girls so that they can get an insight into how the boys actually feel. 

For me, as a 15-year-old girl, I sometimes felt that the play gave me a slightly superficial look at the theme, but the more I have thought about the performance the more positive I have become. All in all, I would recommend this piece to many 😊

Lily, 15 years old