THE LAND OF WANTING MORE

The Land of Wanting More
A research on the decriminalization of female sexuality

The expression of sexuality is one of the core dimensions of human personality. The perception one has of their own body is directly connected to their sexual identity and, consequently, to their self-esteem. Does this simple principle apply equally to all genders?

In 2019, the Council of Europe described the current situation concerning women as a violation of human rights. It depicted an environment that is hostile and simultaneously offensive to the physical, sexual, psychological, and socioeconomic expression of women, which primarily obstructs their autonomy and the implementation of human rights, while perpetuating gender stereotypes in both public and private life. This was the first definition of sexism in an international text. Gender stereotypes perpetuate the unequal treatment of men and women. Women who challenge their supposed roles in society may face sexist and misogynistic behavior.

During the interwar period, the liberation of female sexuality became, for society, the embodiment of lust. It was seen as a dragon that poisoned everything it touched, turning women into indifferent, irresponsible, and toxic beings. In the modern 20th century (the 70s, 80s, and 90s), women became empowered, emancipated, and defied stereotypes on a large scale. In this new era of sexual liberation, women were able to expose their bodies even more, as a symbol of resistance against the sexism that persists in society. They stood naked, unapologetic for their bodies, instead showing them love. However, the criticism, isolation, contempt, guilt, violation, abuse, and constant fear they experienced for these choices have remained a persistent part of society then and now.

The struggle for gender equality, from which the uninhibited expression of sexuality arises, has been in a fundamental state of conflict since the early 20th century, with the creation of the first wave of the feminist movement. A century later, in its third wave, the feminist movement continues to fight against attitudes, practices, and behaviors based on the idea that one person is superior or inferior due to their gender.

Through systematic research, practical representation, and well-founded discussions, an attempt is made to provoke genuine public reflection, seeking deeper introspection on the issue of the historical oppression of eroticism and the free expression of women’s identities.

The Land of Wanting More is a mixed-media performance that combines practices from devised theater, the Viewpoints technique, and cinematography. Using dramatic and narrative speech (alternating between roles and actors) and in dialogue with live music, the stories of women come to life as they confront their unconscious, face their desires, and identify with them. The final script of the performance emerged both from research and improvisation, and it is inspired by texts from George Sand, Charles Mee, Judith Butler, Sam Shepard, Camille Paglia, Colette, the poetry of Matsi Hatzilazarou, and real testimonies. These testimonies are personal stories of sexual liberation and loss, as well as sexual, physical, and emotional abuse of women.

Trigger Warning – the performance includes a graphic description of rape.

Duration: 50 minutes