Performance artist Dana Michel considers the ability to swim to be one of the ways in which we might embody self-trust and wonders why, despite many attempts at learning, she still cannot really feel at ease in the water. And what is it that holds back the majority of her family from swimming, despite hailing from an island that is surrounded by both the Atlantic Ocean and the Caribbean Sea? How safe can you feel in the world if you cannot float in the liquid that makes up a large part of your body?

In order to explore these questions, Michel created the solo ‘YOU CANNOT CAN’ in a swimming pool. Surrounded by the audience, she wades inside global histories and socio-economic realities of swimming and safe access to water. She uses her kaleidoscopically-curious approach to focus on how we might shake off fears. Might this watery adventure be an entry point to ultimate liberation?

Information on accessibility and language

• Access: The performance takes place at the Altstetten indoor swimming pool. The area around the non-swimmers’ pool, where the performance takes place, is fully wheelchair accessible. It is possible to watch the performance from a balcony with step-free access. Accessible toilets are available with a key.

• Duration: The performance lasts 60 minutes.

• Language: There is no spoken language.

• Content notes: The performer is at times dressed only in a swimsuit. The work explores the fear of water and the inability to swim.

• Sensory stimuli: The performance makes use of natural, incoming light and the lighting in the swimming pool. The swimming pool smells of chlorine. There is occasional intermittent banging, vocalisations, and other sound-making.

• Preparations for the performance at the Altstetten indoor swimming pool are still underway, so information regarding accessibility will be added by early September.

• For sold-out performances, we reserve a small number of accessible seats (wheelchair spaces and beanbags). We kindly ask that anyone requiring accessibility support contact kasse@gessnerallee.ch.