SITE is very pleased to present Anastasija Olescuka and her team as our first artists in residence as part of SITE’s Nordic-Baltic Residency program in 2025. For three weeks Anastasija will develop her upcoming dance performance Mould With Me and invites us to take part of their process through lectures and labs. We look forward to having Anastasija in Farsta!
Mould With Me is a dance performance and interactive installation exploring transformation, interconnectedness, and unlearning. Through a fusion of dance, music, mycology, and visual arts, the project dives into resilience—both in nature and human experience. The premiere will take place in Copenhagen in Spring 2026, co-produced with Dansehallerne. At its core, Mould With Me is about decomposition—not just as a natural process but as a metaphor for breaking down outdated narratives and perspectives. Inspired by the intelligence of fungi, the project invites into co-creation and co-exsictance with non-human intelligence rather than domination, allowing space for new knowledge and ways of being.
– During my residency at SITE Sweden, I will explore the connections between dance, music, and fungi—three vital elements of existence. Joining me in this research journey are an incredible team: dancers Rebecca Livaniou & Franklyn Kakyire, mycologist Renée Jung, and dance/music visionary Damon Frost. Together, we will dive into experiments with interdisciplinary interactions to uncover new collective insights and creative inspiration. We will also take a field trip to Dan Wahlbecks, founder of DPW design Sweden to explore the possibilities of fungi electric frequencies, modular synthesizer and music.
– I have particular ideas of what I want to explore during my time at SITE Sweden and I am very open for occasions, creative inputs, spontaneous ideas, challenges and disruptions. This research also includes participatory activities with the local community, inviting others to become co-creators of the experience. Their involvement will help shape an engaging and immersive installation through collective exploration and experimentation.
Open Lecture by Norwegian molecular biologist and mycologist Renée Jung.
Fungi is future
The lecture will serve as an introduction to the fungal kingdom—its types, habitats, and the many ways fungi can benefit us and our life of our planet.We will dive deeper into looking at mycelium and molds, exploring their movement, communication, and unique nature. This will lead to a more philosophical discussion on coexisting with fungi—our “aliens on Earth”—engaging the audience in reflection and dialogue.
Tuesday, March 4th, 16:00-18:00
SITE Sweden, Mårbackagatan 5C, Hus H, 123 43 Farsta
RSVP to info@sitesweden.se
Experiment: Music, dance & mycelium: open space.
Anastasija invites everyone interested to join an open to audience experiment involving presentation of choreographic applications developed during the residency, and soundscape created live on the spot by mycelial block and analog modular synthesiser. Mycelial block (rooting system of fungi) is a living organism, therefor is reacting to the room, sounds, temperature, touch and people. The plan is to prepare a hand of musical samples and let the fungi organise it. It can turn into a meditative trip but also into an organised chaos, which can also be meditative actually.
Wednesday, March 5th, 17:00-18:00
SITE Sweden, Mårbackagatan 5C, Hus H, 123 43 Farsta
RSVP to info@sitesweden.se
Movement Laboratorium: Led by Anastasija Olescuka (LV/DK), assisted by Franklyn Kakiyre (DE) & Rebecca Livaniou (SE).
Open to all dancers with experience.
In this session we will work with concepts of infinity sign, moulding forms and shapes and resilience of body and mind, diving into the multiplicity of these concepts. The work will be detail oriented and involve movement exploration, and improvisation with applications suitable for any dance discipline.
Thursday, March 6th, 17:00-19:00
SITE Sweden, Mårbackagatan 5C, Hus H, 123 43 Farsta
RSVP to info@sitesweden.se
Anastasija Olescuka (LV/DK)
Anastasija Olescuka is a dancer, performer, and choreographer based in Denmark, born in Latvia. She is engaged in Hip Hop & Popping communities, with a background in Baltic & Slavic folk dances, as well as part of Danish ballroom scene, walking body & old way categories. Her work blends dance, science, and nature, previously exploring ants and currently – fungi. She is artistic director of CLASHcph and as a dancer worked with different artists across the Nordics, including Cullberg Company.
Renée Jung (NO)
Renée is a molecular biologist and mycologist. Her number one passion is fungi and its potential for solving environmental issues. With extensive lab and research experience, she has published articles and lectures on the magic of mushrooms. Founder of Mycela.no, she is participating in the residency as a scientific consultant.
Franklyn Kakyire (DE)
Franklyn Kakyire Sarkodie is an internationally recognized dancer from Hamburg, Germany, with expertise in Hip Hop & House, also braking, popping and acrobatics. He has performed worldwide, representing Germany at Juste Debout 2019 and Funkin’ Stylez. He works with renowned artists and institutions while being a part of mentoring the next generation of street dancers in Hamburg.
Rebecca Tsedey Livaniou (SE)
Rebecca Livaniou is a dancer and choreographer exploring parallel worlds, time distortion, and self-awareness. Rooted in hip-hop and East African traditions, she brings that perspective into her work. In 2024, she won Best Emerging Artist at Stockholm Fringe Festival for her solo “InTension.” She has competed and won in numerous dance battles.
Damon Frost (SE)
Damon Frost, aka the ”Rubberband Man,” is a BMX pioneer, dancer, and musician born in LA. He started dancing in 1981 in San Francisco and moved to Stockholm in 1985, strongly influencing the European popping scene. A Swedish Grammy nominee and P3 Gold winner, he has toured globally, worked with top artists, and served on Kulturrådet’s reference group. He continues to mentor and judge major dance events. On this residency Damon will be music consultant and help Anastasija conduct musical experiments.
Lawand Shakur Othman (DK/IRQ)
Lawand Shakur Othman, aka Turkman Souljah, is a Danish-Iraqi music producer, DJ, and composer. A key figure in hip-hop, classical, and electronic music, he is a three-time Danish DMC champion. Since 2024, he has served on the Statens Kunstfonds music grant committee. In this residency, he is present on a distance, as he provides an analog modular system toolkit from a previous collaboration with Anastasija.
SITE Nordic-Baltic Residency 2025 has received funding from the Nordic-Baltic Mobility Programme for Culture.
