Benched

Knotty 2024

31 Jul

Tink is a white person dressed in double denim, holding a bench on their shoulder, and facing away from the camera, so only the back of their head is visible.

Benched

by Tink Flaherty

When: Thursday 25 July
Time: 7.30pm
Where: Stables Theatre, The Bourne, Hastings, TN34 3BD
Tickets: £15/10

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Tink Flaherty brings their intimate solo performance to the Stables Theatre for Trans Pride Hastings.

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.

Prepare for a tender, spontaneous and uncompromising insight into Tink’s world, told through mementos, stories and improvised exchanges.

Benched will be BSL interpreted by Kim Wyer.

Part of Trans Pride Hastings. Suitable for ages 16+.

More information on the process behind Benched and a snapshot of this work in development with us during COVID can be found at On the Bench.

BSL interpreted by Kim Wyer

The Stables have seats are available in rows A and B for patrons with mobility, visual or hearing impairments and their assistants.
There are spaces for wheelchair users in row A, which can be accessed without any stairs. Wheelchair users are requested to book these seats via the Box Office on (01424) 423221 so they can best cater for any additional requirements.
Platform lifts, for a wheelchair user or one seated person, enable access to the first-floor bar. There is also wheelchair-accessible toilet on the ground floor.
A Gender-neutral toilet is available.
Tink is a loving parent, trained advocate and performance artist. They make bold and provocative work exploring their disability, class, queerness, neurodiversity and Irish traveller heritage. Centring connectivity and radical inclusivity, Tink is deeply committed to creating work that is accessible & engaging, for traditional and non-traditional audiences.
Created and performed by: Tink Flaherty
Also featuring: Abra Flaherty
Directed by: Rosana Cade
Sound editing by: Jo Jackson
Sound mixing by: Liz Helman
Production Manager: Sorcha Stott-Strzala
Movement director: Frauke Reinhardt
Dramaturgy: Daniel Oliver & Libro Bridgema
Access Support: Catherine Hoffmann
Produced by Artsadmin
Co-commissioned by Cambridge Junction and Artsadmin
Supported with public funding from an Arts Council England’s Project Grant
Image by Christa Holka.
The performance makes reference to themes of addiction and domestic violence.
There will be sealed alcohol and prescription medication in the space.
There are moments of loud sound during the performance.
Participation is optional and the start of the show, the performer explains where you can sit if you do not want to participate.
At the beginning, audience members will be asked to look after the performer’s objects that are placed on the audience seating. The performer may ask for these objects during the show.
During the performance there will be moments where the performer will make eye contact with and talk to the audience. They may bring audience members up to the stage.