shabari rao

Still Standing 4 is part of a series of works that have been unfolding since 2018. The series explores the implications of stillness as an embodied experience. Each new work carries traces of the works that have been made before and engages with the ideas that: stillness is simple but not necessarily easy; stillness is disruption; stillness is an experience that is available and accessible to anyone.

Still Standing 4 is a 12 hour long performance experience that happens through the night. There is no separation between performers and audience. There is no director. It is a participatory performance where an audio score takes us through the duration of the event. The score includes verbal instructions/invitations, vocal singing and ambient night sounds. Each participant is invited to engage with and interpret the score in a way that makes sense to them. Every interpretation is valid and will shape the manifestation of that particular and singular experience of the performance. Therefore, viewed individually Still Standing 4 is an experience; viewed collectively it is a performance.

Still Standing 4 is an open source performance score that can be done by any group of people anywhere in the world.
If you would like to host Still Standing 4 please fill out this form.
So far it has been done in Cape Town, Bangalore, Ghent, and Vienna.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1.     Can I sleep? Is there time to sleep during the night?
Yes, there are approximately 3 hours that are meant for resting/sleeping through the 12 hour experience.

2.     Can I leave in the middle?
Yes, if you are feeling uncomfortable for any reason and would like to leave, you are free to do so. You will not be able to re-enter the performance if you choose to leave for the night. However, you are free to take breaks as you need through the performance and come back when invited to.  

3.     What about food?
We recommend that you have a light meal before you arrive. Before we formally begin there will be a small snack on offer. There will also be something hot to drink before we disperse in the morning.  

4.     Will I have to dance???
No. The verbal invitations are structured in a way that is open to interpretation. You can choose how you feel like interpreting them at this time, so long as you are respectful to the rest of the group.

5.     Do I need to have performance training to participate?
Not at all! This is open to anyone who wants to participate.

6.     Should I bring a friend along?
Sure. Its important for you to feel safe. We will do all we can to ensure the safety of the group, but if you would like to bring a friend along, please do.

7.     Why is this free?
There is no stated fee in an effort for it to be accessible. Donations of any amount are welcome.

8. What about COVID?
What we will do: There is no physical contact required for this experience. We will make sure that the space is not over crowded. We will try to keep the space ventilated.
What you can do: Make sure you do not have any COVID symptoms. You are free to wear a mask if you want to. You are free to place yourself in a way that makes you feel safe.