F…king Men ⚝⚝⚝⚝⚝
Waterloo East Theatre.
Fucking Men, Tony award-winning Joe DiPietro’s inspired play about queer men connecting through sex and love, is back for another season at London’s Waterloo East Theatre. Adapted from Schnitzler’s classic play La Ronde, DiPietro’s version of the play sees ten men, ten scenes and ten dances in and out of bed. La Ronde has been adapted before, most notably as David Hare’s The Blue Room which featured a briefly naked Nicole Kidman. First shown fifteen years ago, Fucking Men has now been adapted to reflect present day queer hook-up culture. This includes references to Grindr, OnlyFans, smart phones, better HIV medications, PrEP, U=U and condom-free sex – a reflection of how queer sex lives have changed over time. Language has also changed – are cis gay men now gay or queer? Of course, most aspects of hook-up culture remain the same and the play’s considerations about open relationships, casual sex, monogamy, consent and power remain as relevant as ever.
Each scene sees two testosterone-rich men hook up with each other with one of the men in each scene moving on to the next scene with a new partner. The final scene sees the first two men reunited, in different circumstances. The circle of life. Directed by Steven Kunis the ten men are played variously by Joe Bishop, Rory Connolly, Jason Eddy and David Michaels. The range of American and British characters includes a guy in the army, an escort, an OnlyFans performer, a couple in a long-term relationship, a student, a lecturer, a playwright, an actor and a chat show host.
Di Pietro’s very human play has stood the test of time. Originally written in Provincetown for an American audience, it’s abandoned, sexy, funny and unpredictable. It’s adaptation for the 2020’s has worked and its themes of sex positivity and the diversity of the queer/gay/men who have sex with men/bi experience are as relevant as ever. Sometimes difficult, angst-ridden scenes are lightened with humour and the handsome cast are very capable, in particular Jason Eddy. Violence, drugs, internalised homophobia, vulnerability, despair, joy, infidelity, the closet, age differences and abuse of power are all dealt with. The cast handle the intimacy very well too. Set Designer Cara Evans has done a great job with the small stage space, enhanced by the moody work of lighting designer Alex Lewer. Sound Designer Julian Starr adds just the right amount of music. Movement and Intimacy Director Lee Crowley brings a fresh, innovative look to each scene as the men cavort around each other and the oval bed. A noble meeting of talent. Highly recommended.
Queerguru’s Contributing Editor Ris Fatah is a successful fashion/luxury business consultant (when he can be bothered) who divides and wastes his time between London and Ibiza. He is a lover of all things queer, feminist, and human rights in general. @ris.fatah
