bench invasion

Krak

In this performance, I go with 10 people, each with a bench under their arm, into public space. We actively invite people to come and sit next to us. We build the benches. We sit, we slow down. We are present, we listen.

At the end of each encounter, we invite that person to a final moment later that day. After each encounter we move. We take the bench under our arms and walk on in the public space looking for a new person.

At the final end of the performance, we all come together: the bearers of the benches and the sitters. Bystanders are also invited.

We turn the benches into one long table in the public space.

With words, music (violin) and with a glass, we toast to the beauty of small encounters and life.

After, the communal table turns into benches again. The square is empty and everyone continues on their own way.

Central themes are connecting people (again), being present and celebrating, and all of this happens in public space.

Playing dates

Date Location Info
Saturday 6 May 2023 Recklinghausen DE  
Sunday 7 May 2023 Recklinghausen DE  
Friday 12 May 2023 Zagare Fringe Festival Lithuania, LT  
Saturday 13 May 2023 Zagare Fringe Festival Lithuania, LT  
Thursday 18 May 2023 Hoogte80 festival Arnhem, NL  
Friday 19 May 2023 Hoogte80 festival Arnhem, NL  
Saturday 20 May 2023 Hoogte80 festival Arnhem, NL  
Sunday 21 May 2023 Hoogte80 festival Arnhem, NL  
Tuesday 1 August 2023 La Strada, Graz (AT)  
Wednesday 2 August 2023 La Strada, Graz (AT)  
Thursday 3 August 2023 La Strada, Graz (AT)  
Friday 4 August 2023 La Strada, Graz (AT)  
Saturday 5 August 2023 La Strada, Graz (AT)  
Wednesday 1 May 2024 Option Australia  
Saturday 8 June 2024 June - Norway tour (option)  
Saturday 22 June 2024 22-29/06/2024 option  
Friday 23 August 2024 Option 23-31/08 Goteborg, Sweden  

Credits

Idea: Dieter Missiaen en Els Degryse
Artist: Dieter Missiaen
Text: Els Degryse / Kommil Foo
violin: Anna Buevich // Anouk Sanczuk

With the support of Perplx, Miramiro, CirkLabo.
Many thanks to Craig Weston, Sander Decuyper, Stef De Blieck, Marec Zeghers, Michael Minjauw, Lowie Vandenberghe (House Of Time Brugge), Gwendolien Sabbe, Martine Linaer-Gijsen, Tanja Ruiter, Wendy Moonen, Oerol Festival, Uitwijken – Brugge Plus, Te Gek!?, CC De Spil Roeselare, CC De Steiger Menen, Centre des arts de Rue – Ath, L’attitude 50. And all bench carriers.