A major event in our public programme is ‘Standing for the River’ a performance which will take place on the riverbank as part of FRAUD’s fellowship project A Simultaneous Agreement.
“How do we move from a logic of resistance, of putting our bodies on the line, to one of reappropriation and collective joy, capable of sustaining all those infrastructures differently?”
Ecofeminismos. La sostenibilidad de la vida. Herrero and Gago, 2023, p.15
As part of the artists’ fellowship project A Simultaneous Agreement we are staging a large-scale, community-led performance that traces the river’s course. The event will involve a cast of up to one hundred people who will perform a choreography, devised by movement director Neus Gil Cortés. This performance forms part of a broader community campaign advocating for the Hogsmill River’s designation as a public bathing site. Documentation of the event will contribute to the evidentiary materials submitted in support of this application.
In advance of the performance, community participants will take part in a workshop with Neus Gil Cortés, where they will learn a series of accessible movements. These will be performed in coordination with a lead dancer, creating a shared and inclusive choreographic language.
Dressed in black, we will move slowly and in unison along the Hogsmill.
There will be dance students you can follow, words to guide you, and the movements will be simple and accessible.
Neus Gil Cortes has experience working with people of all ages, abilities, and levels of experience, and will support you in finding your way into the movement and adapt as needed.
There will be three groups: one beginning on the green bridge, taking part in the full procession; one starting on the public pathway side, joining partway through; and one on the blue bridge, joining at the end without needing to travel—ideal for those who prefer to remain seated or keep movement minimal.
Movement is a form of rebellion. It brings us back into our bodies, connects us to each other intuitively, and reminds us what it feels like to move as one—with a hundred others beside you.
It will be moving, it will be powerful, it will be grounding.
Will you join us?
Take Part
The performance requires no prior movement experience, flexibility, or technical skill—only a willingness to take part. Everyone is welcome. If you have access needs and want to participate, please contact us and we will be happy to facilitate.
Taking part will involve attending one rehearsal workshop on either the evening of 8 or 9 June, as well as the performance on Friday 12 June 2026 at dusk (between 5–7pm). Attendance at one of the rehearsals is essential.
If you would like to participate, please register your interest via this form.
WARNING: Please be aware that the river currently contains unsafe levels of phosphates, E. coli, leptospirosis (Weil’s disease), and other contaminants, and is not safe for swimming. While we hope the river will one day be safe for bathing, we strongly advise that no one enters the Hogsmill River in its current condition.
Event Venue
Stanley Picker Gallery, Grange Rd, Kingston upon Thames KT1 2QJ, United Kingdom, Kingston upon Thames
