A Spectacle with Breathtaking Breath
- PARIS (2025-05-02) — A new production at the Théâtre des Bouffes Parisiens, titled "Tenderness," delves into the complexities of male identity and societal expectations in the wake of...
- The performance begins with an energetic burst,as the cast enters with the force of a storm,set to a backdrop of rap music.The performers, seven young men and one...
- The play tackles difficult questions about masculinity and societal pressure.
‘Tenderness’ at Théâtre des Bouffes Parisiens Examines Male Identity in the #MeToo Era
PARIS (2025-05-02) — A new production at the Théâtre des Bouffes Parisiens, titled “Tenderness,” delves into the complexities of male identity and societal expectations in the wake of the #MeToo movement. Conceived by Julie Berès and Kevin Keiss, the play uses a dynamic blend of performance art to explore the evolving role of men.
The performance begins with an energetic burst,as the cast enters with the force of a storm,set to a backdrop of rap music.The performers, seven young men and one woman, boldly inscribe their names on the set’s black walls, followed by the word ”Tenderness” emblazoned above a large doorway. This sets the stage for an intimate and revealing exploration of their anxieties, desires, and relationships in contemporary society.
Confronting Expectations
The play tackles difficult questions about masculinity and societal pressure. As Romain notes, “It’s hard not to be always at the top.” Bboy Junior adds,”From the very first ultrasound…we will prepare you for what you will be.” These statements highlight the challenges young men face as they navigate changing social norms and expectations.
Through a series of “battles,” the performers confront their personal experiences and beliefs. The show relies heavily on personal testimonies, offering a raw and unfiltered look at their lives. Nathan states, “It’s not with the money I wear my balls. I would find it more precious to have time to take care of my kids.” Tigran counters with a more conventional view: “I will be the father I have not had: it will be the authority, the framework. It will not prevent me from being tolerant with my son. On the other hand if tomorrow he tells me “You know dad, I’m gay”, I stop being tolerant!”
A Platform for Male Voices
Following Berès’ 2017 work, “disobey,” wich focused on the experiences of young women from immigrant backgrounds, “Tenderness” provides a platform for male voices. Berès, along with co-writers Kevin Keiss, Alice Zeniter, and Lisa Guez, examines the concerns and anxieties of men as they grapple with inherited notions of virility and their place in a changing socio-cultural landscape.
We wish a direct address to the public likely to generate empathy, hope and liberation.
The authors
Dance and Dialogue
The performers, a diverse group of actors and dancers, express their emotions through Jessica noita’s dynamic choreography, which blends break dance, krump, hip-hop, and classical styles. Berès and Keiss create an atmosphere of galvanizing freedom, resonating with both male and female audience members. “Tenderness,” previously presented at the festival to be a man in Nantes in 2023,aims to foster empathy and understanding.
The play’s creators hope to spark dialogue and promote a sense of liberation. Judging by the audience’s keen response, they have succeeded.
“Tenderness” is playing at the Théâtre des Bouffes Parisiens (Paris 2nd arrondissement) until June 15.
‘Tenderness’ at Théâtre des Bouffes Parisiens: A Q&A About Male Identity
Here’s a breakdown of the play “Tenderness” at the Théâtre des Bouffes Parisiens, addressing common questions about its themes, creators, and impact.
What is “Tenderness” about?
“Tenderness” is a theatrical production that explores the complexities of male identity and societal expectations in the wake of the #MeToo movement. The play uses a dynamic blend of performance art to delve into the evolving roles of men in contemporary society. The performance focuses on the anxieties, desires, and relationships of men.
Who created “Tenderness”?
“Tenderness” was conceived by Julie Berès and Kevin Keiss. They co-wrote the play with Alice zeniter and Lisa Guez.
Where is “Tenderness” playing?
“Tenderness” is playing at the Théâtre des Bouffes Parisiens in Paris (2nd arrondissement).
What themes does “Tenderness” explore?
The play tackles difficult questions about:
Masculinity
Societal pressures
Anxieties and desires of men
Inherited notions of virility
How does “Tenderness” present these themes?
The production uses a variety of techniques:
Performance Art: The play incorporates a dynamic blend of performance art.
Personal Testimonies: The performers share personal experiences and beliefs, offering a raw and unfiltered look at their lives.
Dance: Dynamic choreography blending styles like breakdance, krump, hip-hop, and classical dance is used to express emotions.
Dialog: The play aims to spark dialogue and promote a sense of liberation.
What is the meaning of the #MeToo context?
The play is set in the wake of the #MeToo movement. The movement brought increased focus on gender dynamics and societal expectations wich is a backdrop for exploring the evolving roles of men.
What kind of performances are featured in “Tenderness”?
The performance begins with an energetic burst set to rap music. The play incorporates a diversity of actors and dancers who express their emotions through dynamic choreography, which blends break dance, krump, hip-hop, and classical styles.The performers boldly inscribe their names on the set’s black walls, followed by the word “Tenderness.” The play also uses personal testimonies.
How does the play address male identity and societal expectations?
The play addresses these topics by presenting the performers’ personal experiences and beliefs through a series of “battles.” The work highlights the challenges that young men face as they navigate changing social norms and societal expectations. The play provides a platform for male voices, examining their concerns and anxieties around masculinity.
Who are the performers?
According to the source material, the cast includes seven young men and one woman.
What do the creators hope to achieve with “Tenderness”?
The creators aim “to generate empathy, hope, and liberation.” They hope to spark dialogue and promote a sense of liberation,which they seem to have succeeded in based on the audience’s keen response.
What are some key quotes from the play?
Here are some quotes from the source material:
“It’s hard not to be always at the top.” – Romain
“From the vrey first ultrasound…we will prepare you for what you will be.” – Bboy Junior
“It’s not with the money I wear my balls. I would find it more precious to have time to take care of my kids.” – Nathan
“I will be the father I have not had: it will be the authority, the framework. It will not prevent me from being tolerant with my son. On the other hand if tommorow he tells me “You no dad, I’m gay”, I stop being tolerant!” - Tigran
How does the play’s choreography contribute to its message?
Jessica Noita’s dynamic choreography is used to express emotions. It blends breakdance, krump, hip-hop, and classical styles. This adds another layer to the play that resonates with both male and female audience members.
Is the play suitable for all audiences?
the play delves into complex and sensitive issues surrounding masculinity and shifting societal norms. The play aims for a direct address to the public to generate empathy, hope, and liberation.
Where can I learn more about the creators and the play’s background?
You can learn more about Julie Berès’ previous work, ”disobey,” which focused on young women from immigrant backgrounds. Details on the play’s presentation at the festival “to be a man” in Nantes in 2023 are also available.
Where can I see “Tenderness”?
“Tenderness” is playing at the Théâtre des Bouffes Parisiens (Paris 2nd arrondissement) until June 15.
In Summary – “Tenderness” Key Features:
| Feature | Description |
| —————————– | ——————————————————————————————————————————– |
| main Theme | explores male identity and societal expectations in the #MeToo era |
| Creators | Julie Berès and Kevin Keiss, with other writers |
| Performance style | Dynamic blend of performance art, personal testimonies, dance (hip-hop, etc.), and dialogue |
| Setting | Contemporary society with a focus on evolving gender roles |
| key Issues Addressed | Masculinity, societal pressure, anxieties, desires, inherited notions of virility |
| Primary goal | To generate empathy, hope, and liberation and to spark dialogue. |
| Location & Dates | Théâtre des Bouffes Parisiens, Paris (2nd Arrondissement), until June 15 |
