In Bruges, Belgium, Dieter Missiaen conceived the performance project “Bench Invasion” in response to the isolation experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. After a long period without an audience, Missiaen began taking a portable bench into public spaces where he sat and listened to the stories of passers-by. This experience revealed the social need for togetherness and mutual care. The project involved ten participants, each bringing a bench and inviting people to sit, participate and share their stories. These small encounters fostered connection and awareness in public spaces. At the end of the performance, all participants and listeners gathered around a communal table made of benches to celebrate these interactions with words, music and toasts. Finally, the benches returned to their original form, leaving the space empty as everyone departed.