"Release the grip"

By Naomi Kats

A female duet that observes the tension between holding and releasing — between held power and vulnerability that seeks space.

The fist, as a symbol of control and protection, is present in the body and in the relationship: grasping, tightening, and then gradually releasing.

Throughout the work, there is an alternating game of leading and leaning, and of refusal versus compliance.

The power moves between the characters, changes direction, builds and breaks down.

From this movement, an intimate bond was forged between two women, a bond that included dependence, listening, resistance, and compassion.

Chorography: Naomi Kats

Dancers: Naomi Kats & Lal'el Pillora

Artistic Direction: Rachel Erdos

Dramaturgy: Yael Venezia

Music: Andy Stott, Kae Tempest, Nils Frahm

Costume Design: Yarden Eshel

Photography: Yarden Eshel, Ascaf

Videography: Tal Galon

Thanks to Tmuna Theater, Mash Dance center, Ta Tarbut da Vinci, Smilansky Festival

Naomi Kats is an Israeli dancer, choreographer, teacher, and independent producer.

She is a graduate of the Maslool Professional Dance Program and the Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance High School. Since 2019, she has worked as a dancer and artist in Israel and internationally, collaborating among others with ilDance in Sweden, The Israeli Opera, Niv Shienfeld & Oren Laor, Rachel Erdos, , Lotem Regev, Neil Hohener (CH), Jenna Jalonen (FIN).

Since 2022, she has developed her work as an independent choreographer, presenting her works at festivals and platforms in Israel, Germany, and Italy. Her artistic research explores memory, identity, time, the body, vulnerability, and the tension between holding on and letting go.

In 2026, she won first place at the SOLODUO competition in Cologne, leading to a residency at Quartier am Hafen.

That same year, she was selected as a member of the board of the Israeli Dancers’ Association (EMI). Alongside her artistic practice, she teaches contemporary dance and Pilates and works in producing, education, and the development of artistic projects.

Portrait Photo: Daria Alex

Shuva

By Ido Gidron

Shuva is an eternal dialogue between two selves: past and present, who we were versus who we have become.

Navigating this continuous movement through time, the performer processes internal conflict and rupture through physical expression, imagery, silence, and charged atmosphere.

Shuva—the act of returning, of finding home.

Shuva Choreography & Performance: Ido Gidron

Music: J.S. Bach

Artistic Mentorship: Shlomit Fundaminsky

Rehearsal Directors: Naomi Katz & Noam Eldar

Lighting Design: Harel Yeshurun

Production: Irit Eilat

Photography: Natasha Shachnes

The piece premiered at the Between Heaven and Earth Festival 2025

Ido Gidron is an independent artist, dancer and choreographer, a certified Gaga instructor and rehabilitative Pilates therapist.

Ido graduated from Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance and served in the IDF while performing with the Kibbutz Contemporary Dance Company and Batsheva Dance Company.

He has collaborated with choreographers such as Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Arkadi Zaides, Itzik Galili etc.

His experience includes guest residencies with Kennesaw State University, ZHdK, and the Gothenburg Opera.

A recipient of the Mifal HaPayis grants, Ido’s original works have been featured in the “Curtain Up” Festival in 2018 and 2025. Today, he continues to create, lead international workshops for professional programs and companies worldwide.

Portrait Photo: Itzik Amar