(Ir)resistible bodies: Larp as sociocultural technology for building queer heterotopias

Abstract

Hanne Grasmo, Tanja Sihvonen, and Jaakko Stenros focus on the artistic tradition of “Nordic larp”, a form of role-playing that actively incorporates political themes, including contentious ones. In particular, queer larps address nonconforming expressions of gender and sexuality, offering a platform for novel worldbuilding practices. Through the analysis of various Nordic larps, the authors investigate how the experience of playing queer characters or relationships translates into broader, imaginary, or future societies. Situated within the context of the Nordic welfare states – Norway, Sweden, Finland, and Denmark – the authors conceptualize larps as social and political laboratories. They argue that by studying how participants create meaning and interact in these scenarios, larps provide a unique lens for imagining alternative ways of living and functioning in potential future societies.