A long bench placed along the lip of the proscenium redefines the stage as a narrow, linear space. Along this line, five dancers move through meticulously composed tableaux. They sit, stand, recline, and drape. They drift between rest, anticipation, and observation, while maintaining a continuous tension within their unfolding narrative.

A soundscape of voices moves alongside them; speech slips into tone, rhythm, and sentiment, carrying an emotional charge beyond meaning. Images form and dissolve through subtle shifts, and stillness becomes a condition shaped by duration.

The bench becomes at once a support, a display, and a frame, positioning the performers directly opposite the audience. Them and us, seated in parallel. A quiet exchange of attention, duration, and perception.

Maria Hassabi’s performance Us is supported by NEON through its annual Grants Scheme.