bench invasion – the art of listening
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.
