The Embassy of Sweden/Lay Him Quietly

The Embassy of Sweden and Dance Place are proud to present Lay Him Quietly, a compelling dance duet choreographed by Hiroki Ichinose. This work delves into the physical interactions between two men, exploring how cultural traditions and lived experiences—particularly at the intersection of queerness and race—manifest as a tender, invisible weight within the body. It examines how these influences shape our movements, connections, and choices in love.

Lay Him Quietly invites the audience into deeply personal and fragile moments that gradually unfold, revealing the shared breadth of the human experience. Through a dynamic interplay of film and live dance, performers Hiroki Ichinose and Ninos Josef navigate themes of closeness and distance, demonstrating how profoundly personal stories of identity and love can resonate universally.

In addition to the performances, a special Contemporary Class workshop will be held on Tuesday, September 22, from 6:30-8:00 PM. This is a unique opportunity to step into the studio and move alongside the artists, gaining direct insight into their technique, process, and artistic approach. Designed for dancers seeking to deepen their practice and engage with the field at a professional level, this class is free to attend, but registration is required.

Performances take place on September 23 and 24 at 7:00 PM at Dance Place, located at 3225 8th Street, Washington, DC. Tickets for the performances can be purchased through Dance Place. The workshop is free, but requires registration.