Intentional Pain Play

Mamana (they/them) is an licensed therapist, former film scholar and occasional artist who is interested in exploring the ever present unruliness of the body & the psyche and their potential as places of (neuro-)divergence and de(con)struction of what is supposed to be “normal”.

They like to curate spaces (such as Karada House) and offerings that allow for poking and irritating, researching and playing with one’s own body and psyche as well as those of other willing people and entities in a trauma-aware (and occasionally traumatophilic) way.

Renée is a visual artist whose work focuses on the body as a site of narrative, emotion, and presence. She explores identity, gender, and vulnerability, drawing on her experience as a trans femme. Her practice combines aesthetic precision with attunement to sensation and emotional nuance, transforming personal and shared vulnerability into moments of connection and resonance.

In her rope work, she engages both perspectives — being tied and tying others — combining technical skill with the subtle dynamics of trust, touch, and dialogue. She treats ropes as a medium for presence, emotional intensity, and storytelling. Through workshops, performances, and visual projects, she aims to create spaces where bodies of all identities can explore connection, play, and self-expression.

Sophia is a London-based BDSM professional and educator, holding inviting spaces for exploring desire and self-discovery through rope and kink. She blends offering practical hands-on skills with a thoughtful understanding of power dynamics and communication, helping others explore with curiosity and playfulness. Practising rope since 2013, her approach is shaped by diverse professional and personal experiences, to demystify kink in an accessible and engaging way.