Residency week 3 / 2024

Today we live in a world overflowing with stimuli that constantly demand our attention. Based on his own personal experience with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder), choreographer and photographer Yaniv Cohen is in residency to create a solo performance that puts his experience of everyday life in context with the recognizable culture of attention in today’s society. The performance I WORK WITH THE POTENTIAL THAT I MIGHT BE A DOG will address themes such as self-image, shame and cultural constructions around psychiatric diagnoses.

How can we change the way we view different forms of neurodiversity by embodying their characteristics? How can we dance a distraught flow of body/mind states and open up space for increased freedom in expression and understanding?

About the artist

Yaniv Cohen is an acclaimed dancer, choreographer, and a professor of contemporary dance at the Oslo Academy of the Arts. His choreographic work has toured nationally and internationally; he has worked with Carte Blanche, Iceland Dance Company, and the Norwegian Ballet. His journey with ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder) has been both a personal and artistic exploration. Growing up with ADHD, Cohen closely experienced the complexity of masking—trying to hide the symptoms to conform to societal norms. This personal experience has influenced his artistic direction, where he explores ADHD and hypersensitivity as challenges and powerful drivers of creativity.

Involved people and supporters

Yaniv Cohen: Choreographer, performer
Asher Lev: Dramaturg, writer
Carl Nilssen-Love: Scenographer
Martin Myrvold: Light designer
Eyrun Müller: Costume designer
Madeleine Fairminer: Producer

Supported by: Kulturrådet

Co-producers: Dansens Hus, Carte Blanche, Kloden teater and DansiT