Yaniv Cohen (Oslo)

These days, it seems we have become more easily distractible, like children bubbling with infant, wild-like tendencies. At the same time, we are expected to exert more self-control over these «natural» behaviours. «Feeling like an animal in a cage» is how Yaniv would describe the social pressures that are there to tame his own dog-like enthusiasm and hyperactivity. Owning the feeling that he might be a domesticated dog is a more liberating way of exploring his own hyper tendencies and potentials within the existing power structures of art, culture and society. Based on his personal experience with ADHD, Yaniv Cohen, merges his hyper behaviour, addiction to training and his love for dance into an intimate and informative performance.

Yaniv Cohen is a dancer, choreographer, and professor of contemporary dance at the Art Academy in Oslo. He holds an MA in Choreography from the Art Academy in Oslo. Cohen has been working as a dancer for the past 24 years and has been choreographing since 2019. He danced both as a freelancer and with dance companies such as Carte Blanche Dance Company, Iceland Dance Company, and has been a guest dancer with the Norwegian Ballet. His journey with ADHD has been both a personal and artistic exploration. Growing up with ADHD, Cohen experienced firsthand the complexities of «masking» — the effort to conceal symptoms to fit societal norms. This personal experience has influenced his artistic direction, where he delves into the realms of ADHD and hypersensitivity not just as challenges, but as powerful drivers of creativity.

Easy Read
Yaniv has ADHD. This means that his brain sometimes works differently to other people. He sometimes feels like a dog in a cage when he has to behave the way most people do. He tries embrace this feeling. It is simply part of his life.

SIGN LANGUAGE INTERPRETATION
The performance on May 13th will be translated into Swiss German Sign Language (DSGS). Places with good visibility to the interpreter are marked.
Interpreter: Tanja Joseph
Deaf Interpreter: Lorena Müller

FOR PEOPLE WITH MOBILITY DISABILITIES
The Dampfzentrale is wheelchair accessible. Stairlifts are available to the foyer, the hall Turbinensaal, and the toilets. An Access Friend will be happy to assist you with the lifts, or you can use the Eurokey. The theater has a barrier-free toilet.

RELAXED PERFORMANCE
This is a Relaxed Performance.
Freedom of movement and audience noises are explicitly welcome. You are welcome to take breaks at any time, leave the theatre hall, and return when you’re ready.
Alternative seating (seats, cushions, etc.) is available. Beanbags are available in the front row for you to sit on. You can sit, lie down, or change seats during the performance. Babies and children are welcome.
Please note that Relaxed Performances focus on adapting the theatre environment, not the content of the performance. Check the content notes and sensory trigger warnings for further details.

CONTENT NOTES
This production addresses themes such as self-image, shame, exhaustion and cultural constructs surrounding psychiatric disorders, drawing parallels between human behavior and domesticated animals.
This production features depictions of substance use and a brief reference to incest.

SENSORY TRIGGERS

• Loud noises and sounds
• Flashing lights and strobe lights
• Blackout
• Environmental effects (stage smoke, haze)
• High energy performance

SPECIAL CHECK-IN
We offer a special check-in option. If for any reason you’d like to avoid the crowded foyer, require a specific seat, assistance due to a mobility impairment, or would like to be picked up at the bus stop, please contact us in advance. A member of our team will accompany you according to your needs. Register: checkin@auawirleben.ch

ACCESS FRIEND
At the Dampfzentrale, Access Friends welcome audiences and are available before, during, and after performances. These people are identified and wear purple vests. Questions about accessibility can be directed to the Access Friends.