Bankcontact

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 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. Casual ‘bystanders’ are also welcome. Together with all the benches, they form one large table at which they all take their seats. With words, music and a glass in hand, they toast to the beauty of these small encounters and to life itself. Afterwards, everyone goes their separate ways.

The idea for this performance originated during the COVID-19 lockdowns. As a circus artist, Dieter Missiaen was sitting at home out of work. Out of frustration, one day he took one of the benches from his grandstand and walked out onto the street, looking for people. He soon realised there was a great need for simple contact without barriers, without conditions.
Just by chance, in the here and now. It became clear to him that something crucial is missing in our society: time, attention, kindness and simply being present.

With eleven bench carriers now on board and the addition of the closing ceremony, he can multiply the power of these encounters and turn them into lasting memories.

We’re still looking for enthusiastic bench bearers for Friday 4 September. Interested in taking part? Then book a free place via the website.

This performance has been made possible by the Stadmaak partners: Wonen Limburg, Weller, Wonen Zuid, HEEMwonen, Woonpunt, Vincio Wonen, IBA Parkstad, the Municipality of Heerlen, Stadsregio Parkstad Limburg and Cultura Nova.