What if, right at the moment when it really counted, you were just as sharp as you would hope to be? In DEAR FRAIL MALE, Just van Bommel tells a personal anecdote about an unexpected ‘encounter’ with a group of boys. Just re-frames this memory in a text-based, rhythmical performance about the (pretty literal) weight of the male norm. Just imagine: on the way home, you are suddenly approached by a group of fifteen boys. They ask questions – about ‘what’ you are, what you’re wearing. Whether you have a dick or not. Taken off guard by the event, you’re unable to respond as you would like. Or ask the right questions back. Never mind being able to wittily point out just how pathetic and stupid your aggressors really are. And, in the heat of the moment, there’s absolutely no way you could find any understanding of the reasons why these ‘child-men’ are shouting insults at you. But what if you could? In DEAR FRAIL MALE, Just gives the memory outlined above a new form. Supported by men, Just plunges into these boys’ struggles with their search for an identity, in a society that sees aggression as strength and vulnerability as weakness. As well as a riposte to this outdated, widespread view of masculinity, the production is a passionate attempt to inspire men to take a step towards emancipation. “Like a few others, I was lucky enough to see Dear Frail Male, a performance by Just van Bommel about masculinity. It received four stars in the Volkskrant, but that's not right; it deserves six.” Tobi Lakmaker, de Volkskrant "The combination of satire and empathy makes Dear Frail Male by Just van Bommel a magnificent act of resistance." ★★★★ de Volkskrant "A tour de force that holds up a mirror to the average man..." Valentijn de Hingh, De Correspondent "The story is contemplative, sometimes like a nostalgic reflection on life. About all the things you miss out on as a man – and that’s a lot!" Theaterkrant
