In the latest addition to our Dazed Texts series, singer, musician, and actor Troye Sivan reads Sufjan Stevens’ “Mystery of Love”, which memorably soundtracks Luca Guadagnino’s Call Me By Your Name. Stevens’ delicate and quietly arresting acoustic song becomes a moving piece of spoken word poetry as the Australian singer, musician, and actor reads to the camera. Sivan’s performance follows previous Texts readings by rapper/performance artist Mykki Blanco and model/activist Munroe Bergdorf.
When we spoke to Sivan for the spring 2018 issue of Dazed, he’d recently read the 2007 novel that inspired the film, and found himself relating to its feeling of freedom and first love. He’s since said he’d have loved to have auditioned for the role of Elio, although ultimately believes Timothée Chalamet was destined for the part.
Elsewhere in the profile, Sivan opened up about acting, being in love, and being a queer and happy pop star. “I felt like I had to explain myself a lot before – if you’re gonna talk about being gay, you have to talk about coming out and the hardships,” Troye told Dazed. “Of course, being gay comes with struggles, but that’s not all there is with this community. I’ve met so many people who came out carefree on the other end, even in the face of adversity. My life is sexy and it’s fun and it’s queer and it’s unapologetic.”
Watch the video, directed by Bec Evans, above.
Troye Sivan recites “Mystery of Love”:
Performed by Troye Sivan
Produced, directed, and edited by Bec Evans
Executive producer Thomas Gorton
Sound by George Thompson
Hair and make-up by Brady Lea
Technical assistant Meshach Roberts