Nominated for the Cologne Dance Prize 2022, "A Performance is a Long Quiet River" by Céline Bellut delves into the theme of boredom, questioning societal perspectives on activity and passivity. It critiques normative and ableist views of active and passive bodies, while exploring the structural conditions that determine what is considered valuable action. Philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre argued that individuals are defined by their actions (“to act, is the change the figure of the world”), but Bellut challenges whether this distinction still holds true, revealing the privileged perspective from which it arises.

Our society, its architecture, and its infrastructures do not offer the same opportunities for all bodies to act freely, move autonomously, or co-create our lives. With a team of two dancers, two visual artists, and a composer, Bellut examines these inequities by blending visual art with stage performance. The language of dance and movement explores the performative potential of boredom and stagnation, magnifying the physical outcomes of passivity through choreography, absurd actions, and shared thoughts.

The piece also confronts our existential fear of passivity and the inner struggle to remain active, even when it isn’t necessary. Through this exploration, Bellut reflects on economic degrowth and the value of doing less, suggesting that sometimes, doing nothing can be the best way to begin something meaningful.