Prepare to be captivated by a performance that challenges the very essence of our fast-paced, tech-driven lives. But here’s where it gets intriguing: what happens when economic disillusionment and techno-exhaustion leave us struggling to navigate—let alone control—our existence in a world that’s constantly shifting? This is the bold question at the heart of No Time To Die: An Inert Liquid Assembly, a groundbreaking collaboration between visual artist Nadim Abbas and choreographer-dancer Chan Wai-lok.
Set to premiere on November 20 as part of Hong Kong’s Freespace Dance festival in the West Kowloon Cultural District, this cross-disciplinary masterpiece blends exhibition and performance art. The title itself is a provocative nod to Cantonese workplace slang, where overworked employees grimly joke, “I have time to die but no time to get sick,” fearing their bosses’ disapproval. And this is the part most people miss: the piece isn’t just about humor—it’s a sharp commentary on how our liquid, fast-changing reality impacts our sense of agency.
When The Post caught up with Abbas and Chan after a rehearsal, they were tight-lipped about the details. “We don’t want to spoil too much ahead of the show,” Abbas teased, though they offered a sneak peek at the set—a mesmerizing blend of domestic interior and logistics warehouse. Abbas’s rehearsal space at Hong Kong’s Xiqu Centre is a visual feast, filled with what appear to be cardboard architectural models adorned with claw grabbers and bubble wrap, hinting at themes of fragility and industrialization.
Here’s where it gets controversial: Is our modern existence so fluid and frenetic that we’ve lost the ability to truly shape our lives? Or are we merely adapting to a new normal? This performance doesn’t just ask questions—it demands answers. As the audience, you’re invited to reflect: How do you navigate a world where everything feels temporary and overwhelming?
With its unique blend of architecture, movement, and social critique, No Time To Die promises to be more than just a performance—it’s a conversation starter. So, what’s your take? Do you see techno-exhaustion as a modern curse or an inevitable evolution? Let’s hear your thoughts in the comments—this is one discussion you won’t want to miss.
