Berlin-based duo MATANICOLA was founded in 2005 by Italian and Israeli-born artists Nicola Mascia and Matan Zamir. Since then, MATANICOLA has successfully shaped and defined its own language within the realms of contemporary dance, choreography and performance. Central to their work is the questioning and deconstruction of boundaries surrounding cultural and social definitions, gender and national identity—with a marked emphasis on both queer and pop culture, diversity, inclusion and unconventionality. In constant search for self-reinvention, MATANICOLA aims to push their artistic practices into unexpected territories that have a more direct social impact.

So far, their body of work includes seven evening length stage pieces: BLEACH: AURORA HUNTERS (2018, collaboration with Theater Thikwa), bodieSLANGuage (2014, collaboration with The Progressive Wave), TO THIS PURPOSE ONLY (2013, collaboration with Fattoria Vittadini), PIECE OF ME (2011), WHAT ON EARTH (2010), LADIES FIRST (2007), UNDER 1 (2005) and UNDER 2 (2005, collaboration with Yasmeen Godder). With the ongoing site-specific improvisation series VERSUS (since 2006), MATANICOLA has embarked on the exploration of off-stage performances. The introduction of the series INTERVENTION (since 2012), has also served as a testing ground for the elaboration of future stage productions. In 2012, MATANICOLA curated the contemporary performance and visual art festival LES GRANDES TRAVERSÉES in Bordeaux. As part of their movement research methodology THE UNLEARNING PROCESS, MATANICOLA regularly leads classes and workshops internationally.

Amongst others, MATANICOLA has collaborated with artists and collectives such as Will Davidson, Hanayo, Adam Linder, Sharon Paz, Peaches, Pictoplasma, Julian Rosefeldt, Meg Stuart and Jeremy Wade.

As a duo, they have been invited to participate in various international exchange programs and interdisciplinary projects such as MOVING BEYOND INCLUSION (2016, performers and researchers with diverse (dis)abilities), STÖRUNG (2015, artists, scientists and Parkinsonians from Europe and Israel), MATCHPOINT (2011, artists from Europe and the Asia-Pacific region), POLITICS OF ECSTASY (2009, Berlin based international artists) and ZENSORS (2008, artists from Europe and Japan). 

Their work has been commissioned and co-produced by Deutsche Bank KunstHalle, Radialsystem V, Sasha Waltz & Guests, Sophiensaele, Tanz im August and Theater Thikwa in Berlin; Theater Freiburg; Fattoria Vittadini in Milan; Grand Theatre Groningen; Acco Theatre Centre and presented at various international festivals.

Nicola Mascia and Matan Zamir both work as independent performers and choreographers in parallel with their artistic practice as a duo.