About the residence

As part of his residency, the project ‘Fatherhood’ will be hosted by Un-Label from 17 to 28 November 2025. In the research project ‘Fatherhood’, Dodzi Dougban explores the role of fathers after separation and focuses on the marginalised perspective of deaf black fathers. Based on interviews, research and his own reflections, his intersectional approach addresses alienation, audism, ableism, racism, communication barriers and the daily struggle with authorities. The material will later be used to create a solo performance that combines dance with art forms such as sign language poetry and Visual Vernacular (VV).

Artists

Dodzi Dougban

Dodzi Dougban is a deaf dancer, performer and choreographer from Recklinghausen. He wants to overcome barriers through inclusive art experiences and show that communication is a powerful tool for social change. In his work, he poetically integrates sign language into dance, thus connecting the hearing and deaf worlds. His original passion for urban dance has given rise to new and unique forms of expression and body language.

Dodzi is currently working on his new piece, ‘Vaterschaft’ (Fatherhood), which is set to premiere in Cologne in 2026. This project marks Dodzi’s first time as artistic director. With this project, he aims to highlight the perspective of deaf fathers. In his exhibitions and presentations, he focuses on making social diversity visible and encouraging reflection.

He is convinced that inclusive performances can break down prejudices, strengthen diversity and promote social participation for all.

Wolfram Sander

Wolfram Sander is a dramaturge and artistic production manager/creative producer.

After training as a carpenter, he studied at the Institute for Applied Theatre Studies in Giessen and Montreal. Following his graduation, he worked in various roles for international festivals and production companies, including the Ruhrtriennale. As artistic production manager at the Theaterformen festival in Hanover and Braunschweig, he was responsible for eight festival editions between 2013 and 2020. After a season as programme director for theatre and dance at Hellerau – European Centre for the Arts, he took over as production manager for the Spielart 2021 theatre festival in Munich. He then spent a season as production dramaturg at the Sophiensælen Berlin.

In addition, Wolfram Sander pursues his own artistic practice, which moves at the intersections of sound art, live performance and installation and has been presented in Germany, Austria, France, Sweden, Canada and Mexico. Most recently, as artistic production manager, he organised the Musik Installationen Nürnberg 2025 festival, which focuses on music as performative spatial art. In the same year, as a performer in the project series Roden / Pembalakan / Kukata Miti initiated by Daniel Kötter, he explored the effects of extractivism on landscapes and communities in various locations around the world.

He currently works at Panthea, a company that has been developing innovative and technical surtitling solutions for the performing arts across Europe for many years.

Wolfram Sander is increasingly focusing on the topics of inclusion, accessibility, cultural participation and aspects of social justice within the performing arts. From 2026, he will take over as head of performing arts at the multi-disciplinary cultural centre Südpol in Lucerne.

Credits: 1) Johann Bentele , 2) Jens Ufer  3) Wolfram Sander

About the Un-Label Artist Residency

Un-Label’s artist residencies offer artists with disabilities the opportunity to realise their own creative projects with targeted support. The Laboratory for Inclusive Culture (L.I.K.) in Cologne-Neuehrenfeld is creating a central location where artists with disabilities can come together, network and work in an inclusive environment. In addition to financial, personnel and logistical support, there is a focus on interdisciplinary and intersectional collaboration. Un-Label also works with network partners to anchor accessibility and the promotion of artists with disabilities in the cultural scene in a sustainable manner.