By Thomas Michael Voss

Quaestio

Hello Everyone

I just wanted to share some news with you all. I am choreographing a new piece at the moment called 'Quaestio'. 

It deals with the inter relationship between Masculinity - Bullying - Disability

Everyone knows and talks about the pressure women are under by the media and society, however I want to highlight and stress how men are pressurised and manipulated and can suffer too and they usually do that in silence, often from a very young ageonwards.

I am also looking into the connection and relation between masculinity, bullying and disability

Most fascinating and revealing. I want this to be a collaboration, so I am open for creative people to come on board!

So far I am using 9 incredibly talented and enthusiastic male contemporary dancers, a disabled male comedian and it has been very inspiring and exciting so far. 

I love the fresh talent and despite it bringing back plenty of college memories - I feel very positive and inspired to go further with this project. There is a lot of potential in it, almost too much. Every topic opens up another three sub categories it seems. 

Some of my findings were that young male Londoners are aware of general problems, but due to the nature of London and their own chosen social circles as well as due to their education and confidence - they have grown independant.

It appears they don't (need to) worry. Times are slowly changing for the better, however my personal opinion is that a lot is still to be done and the danger I think I might have detected is that a lot of people seem to accept the way it is and just get on with it, which to me is a little sad. They either have grown numb or a very thick skin.

On a weekly basis we can read articles in the newspapers of abuse and discrimiantion such as acid attack in front of a gay bar in Vauxhall, baby boy beaten to death because of his effeminate behaviour and for wanting to play with dolls, thugs in pink tutus beaten boy to a pulp for being gay, discussions about banning football fans of chanting racial abuse and gay abuse. 

I do believe from the bottom of my heart that any kind of discrimination and bullying is utterly unacceptable regardless where, why, when and from whom.

It's got to be addressed till it stops - it has got to stop!

That is why I am creating this piece.

Anyone who wants to join the project please contact me.

Thomas Michael Voss