Ely Daou: Laborious Walk

photo: Fremdina Bianco

Laborious Walk is a six-hour durational performance intertwining verbal exchange, physical movement, and the human experience. The artist continuously walks a circular route, engaging in unscripted one-on-one conversations with participants from the public who choose to join him along the way.

These dialogues can take place in English, French, Arabic, or Spanish. Participants are free to initiate and steer the conversation, whether it’s about everyday topics, deep philosophical questions, or personal inquiries directed at the artist. Walking and talking mirror the search for connection, yet the fleeting, individual nature of each exchange may also evoke a sense of isolation.

Observers witness the interactions from a distance and can tune in via a live audio link—both at the performance site and from anywhere in the world. The artist’s breathing, the rhythm of footsteps, and the pauses between words all become part of an evolving soundscape. For those unfamiliar with the spoken language, vocal tone, silence, and gestures create a layered listening experience, inviting imagination and interpretation.

The title, Laborious Walk, suggests both physical effort and existential contemplation. The continuous circular movement recalls the myth of Sisyphus—endlessly pushing a boulder uphill—reflecting on the repetition of daily life. Despite the seemingly aimless movement, each step is a deliberate act, resisting monotony and questioning the meaning of routine.

By navigating themes of work, communication, and human interaction, Laborious Walk becomes a microcosm of the human condition. The performance blurs the boundaries between public and private: each conversation remains intimate yet contributes to a larger shared experience of connection and vulnerability. The audience is free to come and go throughout the six hours, allowing the performance to remain fluid and ever-changing.

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