Compagnie Krak (BE)
BankcontactExpected end time: 17:30 hour
Park Westhoes Kerkrade
A celebration of the fact that every person has a story to tell.
Eleven people make their way through Park Westhoes in Kerkrade and through the Aarveld and the city centre in Heerlen, carrying a bench under their arms. Along the way, the bench-bearers invite chance passers-by to sit down with them for a moment. A conversation ensues. The bench-bearers listen, pay attention; they are fully present. And after the brief chat, every person who has sat on a bench is invited to the closing event, as later that day the bench-bearers and those who sat on the benches will come together once more. Passers-by are also welcome. Together, all the benches form one large table at which they all take their seats. With words, music and a glass in hand, they raise a toast to the beauty of small encounters and to life itself. Afterwards, everyone goes their separate ways.
The idea for this performance came about during the COVID-19 lockdowns. As a circus artist, Dieter Missiaen was sitting at home unemployed. Out of frustration, one day he took one of the benches from his stage and walked out onto the street in search of people. He soon realised that there was a great need for simple contact without barriers, without conditions – just a chance encounter in the here and now. He met many people and listened to their stories. It became clear to him that something crucial is missing in our society: time, attention, kindness and simply being present.
With eleven ‘bench bearers’ now on board and the addition of the closing moment, he is able to multiply and deepen the power of these encounters, turning them into lasting memories
Credits
Concept: Dieter Missiaen and Els Degryse
Artist: Dieter Missiaen
Lyrics: Els Degryse / Kommil Foo
Violin: Jef Hendrikx
Bench design: Marec Zeghers (zitter.be)
With the support of Brugge Plus, Perplx, Miramiro and CirkLabo
This performance has been made possible by the Stadmaakweek partners: Wonen Limburg, Weller, Wonen Zuid, HEEMwonen, Woonpunt, Vincio Wonen, IBA Parkstad, the Municipality of Heerlen, the Parkstad Limburg Urban Region and Cultura Nova.
