The Art of Doing Nothing: a feminist manifesto
Stephanie Pan, with Ensemble Klang
Theatrical Music Performance | 2024
It is not about doing nothing. It is a proposal for navigating choice and making sense of your own place in a chaotic world; to not always swim against the current, but sometimes let yourself be carried on the waves. It is a personal vision on how to be wrong, how to sink into doubt, how to embrace the magical space of not knowing.
The piece celebrates soft, ‘feminine’ qualities like intuition, vulnerability and emotionality, and leans into the empowerment and freedom that comes with giving space to them. In a world where these strengths are seen as weak and inferior, The Art of Doing Nothing becomes a necessarily feminist act, a radical antidote to patriarchal norms of certainty and hierarchical power.
“a rollercoaster embracing soundscapes through to post-punk. A conceptual performative piece… extremely impressive… an early highlight [at Rewire]…”
3voor12 (live at Rewire)
“(…) an exquisite mix of theatrics (Pan has a powerful voice with which she can do anything) and a bed of music on which she can do anything….I’m lost for words. This is quite the musical experience with hints of opera, musical & pop music.“
Vital Weekly
“an insightful and mind-provoking, sonic roller-coaster. “
Percorsi Musicali
Description
Theatrical music performance with 7 musicians/performers, lights & video
Duration
55 minutes
Credits
Concept, music, text & voice: Stephanie Pan
Performed with: Ensemble Klang (Saskia Lankhoorn – keys and backing vox; Pete Harden – guitars; Anton van Houten – trombone; Erik-Jan de With† & Michiel van Dijk – saxophones; Joey Marijs – percussion)
Live sound: Tom Giles
Lighting & video: Pavla Beranová
Conceptual advice: Snejanka Mihaylova
Project image: Chaja Hertog
Photos: Tessa Veldhorst / De Schaapjesfabriek except those marked Judith Zandwijk
Supported by: Performing Arts Fund NL, Sena