In Dolly, OR/ELLER reimagines what it means to come to life. Through unceasing dance, different moments of becoming are explored via three iconic figures: Dolly the sheep, Dolly Parton, and the doll. Each of these Dollys reflects a different aspect of creation and existence—the clone, the artist, and the imaginary.

Inspired by the mysterious space between the first heartbeat and the first breath, OR/ELLER brings Dolly to life through these dual origins of life. The performance examines notions of originality, subjectivity, and transformation, set in a room that unwittingly winds toward an inevitable end.

Dolly is neither a performance specifically for children nor exclusively for adults; instead, it is a dance piece for audiences aged 10 to 99, inviting all to contemplate the art of coming to life—and how art itself comes to life.





Words about Dolly in the press:

"The sheep Dolly, Dolly Parton, and the doll – all associations are present in the dance piece 'Dolly.' The theme is about how life is created, and perhaps also about an artistic process."

"A contrasting darkness that enhances the feeling that in the movements, during the short hour we have together here, life is created."
DN

"From small, detailed movements with fingers and toes, to euphoric, extended leg kicks across the entire floor."
DN

"Cloning and imagination breathe life into the art."
SVD



Reviews:
Review by Maina Arvas in the Dagens Nyheter:
https://www.dn.se/kultur/trio-bjuder-upp-till-dans-med-faret-dolly/

Review by Thomas Olsson in the Svenska Dagbladet:
https://www.svd.se/a/bm4rm5/recension-dolly-pa-mdt-handlar-om-skapandet-av-liv




Credits:
Concept, Choreography: OR/ELLER – Anja Arnquist, Madeleine Lindh
Dance: Anja Arnquist, Madeleine Lindh, Sam Huczkowski
Dramaturgy: Kristina Hagström Ståhl
Scenography: Johannes Fäst
Light design: Sutoda
Costume design: Naemi Gustavsson
Music design: William Rickman
Art direction & graphics, illustration: Sepidar Hosseini
Photography: Chrisander Brun, Jim De Block
Text: Masha Taavoniku, Madeleine Lindh, Anja Arnquist and Kristina Hagström Ståhl
Technical support: Björn Kuajara
Production: OR/ELLER & Nordberg Movement
Co-production: MDT and Dansinitiativet
With support from: The Swedish Arts Council, The City of Stockholm and Stockholm Region, Kalix kommun, Luleå kommun, Danskonsulent Norrbotten and Region Norrbotten