Intimacy Direction for Non-Romantic Stories
When you hear the term "intimacy direction," romantic or physically intimate scenes often come to mind. However, intimacy on stage is not limited to love stories. Platonic and familial relationships are central to many narratives, and the physical connections between these characters can be just as complex and powerful.
Defining Intimacy
There are clear industry standards outlining when an intimacy director or coordinator must be employed, and these guidelines are essential for ensuring safety, consent, and professionalism in scenes involving intimacy. However, the benefit of working with an intimacy professional extends far beyond mandated contexts.
Intimacy isn’t solely about romance— it’s about connection. It’s the way people interact and share space. Non-romantic intimacy can be subtle, like a sibling rolling their eyes but leaning on each other for support, or deeply emotional, like a parent embracing a child after a long separation.
By expanding our understanding of intimacy, we open the door to exploring a broader range of relationships with depth and authenticity.
Why Intimacy Direction Matters for Non-Romantic Stories
Fostering Believability
The bonds between platonic and familial characters are often foundational to a story. Intimacy direction helps ensure that these connections feel genuine.
Addressing Physical Boundaries
Even in non-romantic contexts, physical interactions can feel vulnerable for performers. Scenes involving holding hands, comforting embraces, or even a friendly arm around the shoulder require clear communication and consent.
Enhancing Storytelling
The physicality of non-romantic relationships — the way people occupy space together, touch, or avoid touch — can convey volumes about their history and emotional state. Thoughtful movement direction ensures these details enrich the narrative.
Applications of Intimacy Direction in Non-Romantic Contexts
Familial Relationships
Family dynamics are often layered with history, expectations, and unspoken emotions. Movement and intimacy direction can help performers capture these complexities.
Friendships
The intimacy of friendships is unique and multifaceted. Friends often share inside jokes, physical closeness, and moments of vulnerability that require careful direction to feel believable. Intimacy direction can guide performers in creating:
Workplace or Professional Relationships
While less overtly intimate, workplace dynamics often involve proximity and shared emotional stakes. Intimacy direction can be useful for body language and physical positioning to reflect power dynamics.
Communities or Ensembles
Group dynamics in stories often require performers to convey a sense of shared history or unity. Intimacy direction can help to establish connection and demonstrate fractures.
Tips for Exploring Non-Romantic Intimacy on Stage
Prioritize Consent and Communication
Even in non-romantic contexts, performers need clear communication about physical interactions. Regular check-ins and consent-driven practices are essential.
Use Space Intentionally
Proximity or distance can speak volumes about a relationship. Experiment with how characters occupy space together to reflect their dynamic.
Layer the History
Non-romantic relationships often have rich backstories. Work with performers to explore how this history informs their physicality and emotional tone.
Create a Movement Vocabulary
Consider how characters show affection, conflict and indifference. Create repeatable vocabulary for these states that performers can employ.
Non-romantic intimacy is a vital, yet often overlooked, element of storytelling. By giving it the same care and attention as romantic connections, we honour the richness and complexity of the relationships that shape our lives.