Wanted: two cyclists for 'Still Lives'

On Friday 23 May 2025, we present the performance 'Still Lives' by Luke George & Daniel Kok.

'Still Lives' is a series of performances in which specific movements from athletic moments are captured. During the performance, a “hanging still life” (or tableau vivant) is created, where participants are temporarily suspended using ropes. The artists reinterpret shibari rope techniques during the performance. Each presentation is unique and specifically developed for the location. The artists look for a theme that fits within the local cultural context. For Ghent, they quickly landed on cycling and the city’s deep-rooted love for the sport.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for two professional / semi-professional / amateur / former cyclists who are willing to be suspended using rope bondage during a two-hour performance. The idea is to suspend the cyclists and their bicycles seven meters above the ground to create a frozen image — for example, as if they are mid-race or just crossing the finish line.

The performance takes place in the beautiful Minardschouwburg. The audience is seated all around and can move freely around the stage area to experience the performance from different angles. The piece is accompanied live by accordionist Suzan Peeters, who creates an original soundtrack during the show.

At the same time, a video installation will be on view in the theatre’s foyer, featuring an interview with the athletes. This gives the audience insight into their personal stories and backgrounds. These recordings will be made by the artists and filmmaker Robin Stevens in the week leading up to the performance.

Schedule

We ask for your availability on the following dates:

Monday 12.05 or Tuesday 13.05

• Video interview with the artists
• Duration: approx. 2 hours
• Exact time to be arranged together

Thursday 22.05

• Rehearsal at De Minard
• Duration: approx. 4 hours
• Exact time to be arranged together, likely in the afternoon

Friday 23/05/2025

• Performance
• Arrival at De Minard: no later than 19:00
• Start: 20:00 // End: 22:00

*Saturday 24/05/2025 (optional extra performance!)

• Performance
• Arrival at De Minard: no later than 19:00
• Start: 20:00 // End: 22:00

*The performance on Saturday 24 May 2025 will only take place if the first show sells out quickly and there is strong demand for tickets. The Minard’s capacity is limited to 220 people. More information on ticket prices can be found on our website.

Each participating cyclist will receive a fee of €1,500.

Here you can find a short dossier (in English) with more details about the project. This page also contains additional information and visuals. Two short videos from a previous edition (link to video 1 and link to video 2) are also available to give a better idea of the performance.

We hope we’ve sparked your interest in this unique performance, which will be shown only once in Ghent.

How to participate in the open call?

You don’t need to be in top physical shape for this performance.
You should not be afraid of heights.
You will wear a cycling outfit during the show.

Interested in joining this one-of-a-kind performance?

Send a short description of yourself and the role cycling plays in your life to still.lives@viernulvier.gent.