I have traveled to Neverland and have met many Lost Boys. Lost men pretending to be Lost Boys.– Fernando Troya
We play so hard it hurts is a solo directed and performed by Fernando Troya. Delving into the subterranean realms of cruising culture and the quest for intimacy amidst darkness, the production emerges as a testament to the transformative power of resilience.
We play so hard it hurts synthesizes autobiographical traces with the timeless allegory of Peter Pan to excavate and celebrate the complexities of queer identity. Through a relentless commitment to authenticity, Troya playfully exhibits his adventure. The piece navigates spaces between performance, dance, and theater. And uses 10 mattresses as a living stage design.
Engaging in a dialogue with space, constructing and deconstructing new evocative architectures, enhancing the metaphorical imagery of the show. An allegory to where many of us remain trapped in a world of perpetually frustrated discovery, where play becomes a lifestyle.
During Amsterdam Fringe 2024 We play so hard it hurts received the International Bursary Award. In the report of the International Bursary Award wrote the jury the following about We play so hard it hurts.
Although Fernando Troya’s exploration of identity, sexuality, and vulnerability is personal, it never comes across as self-indulgent. On the contrary, ‘We play so hard it hurts’ is a raw and honest portrayal of his experiences within the gay cruising scene, using ten mattresses to create unique visual imagery. Troya’s background in classical ballet adds extra layers of depth to the choreography, which, combined with the scenography, brings the piece to life in a technically stunning way.
a raw and honest portrayal of his experiences within the gay cruising scene— Theaterkrant
