Why do we treat strangers better than our friends and family?
Since 2018, Tink has been taking their bench out to public locations across the country and inviting strangers to sit with them, in a quest to find authentic forms of connection.
Benched is a unique exploration of human relationships – the formative and defining ones with those close to us, and the incidental meetings with strangers that stop us in our tracks. Through their unique style of transgentle storytelling, Tink demonstrates the radical and transformative power of offering undivided attention. At once raw and impulsive, confrontational and gentle, Benched confronts intersecting issues of class, gender, neurodivergence and marginalisation, expanding performance tropes and challenging compulsory neuronormativity.
Prepare for a tender, spontaneous and uncompromising insight into Tink’s world, told through mementos, stories and improvised exchanges.
Images credited to photographer: Christa Holka
CREDITS
Created and performed by: Tink Flaherty
Also featuring: Abra Flaherty
Artistic Collaborator: Rosana Cade
Mentors: Katy Baird and Catherine Hoffman
Movement director: Frauke Reinhardt
Dramaturgy: Daniel Oliver & Libro Bridgeman
Lighting Designer: Marty Langthorne
Production Manager: Sorcha Stott-Strzala
Set Design Consultant: Tim Spooner
Produced by Artsadmin
Supported with public funding from Arts Council England’s Project grant
