About the performance

Joanna Holewa Chrona's first solo work, “Phakathi Inside,” is a solo odyssey, a return to the inner body and the force dwelling within. It explores the physical and spiritual dimensions, strengthening the manifestation of an avatar - the embodiment of a powerful spirit

Through a unique approach to self andmovement, Joanna Holewa Chrona investigatesthe purpose of dance as a vessel to navigate life'speaks and valleys. What unfolds when one discovers that the magicresides within ourselves, and that the truesuperpower lies in the art of transmutation? As Joanna embarks on her journey, the room metamorphose, enveloped in light and sound that accentuate her essence and presence. Slow and intricate movements intertwine withbursts of restrained volcanic energy, embodyingthe life that animates the physical form.

The name “Phakathi Inside” is a South African slang mixing isiZulu with English meaning "Inside Inside". With the music in this work, Joanna is carrying on her lengthy engagement and exchange with South African artists and culture, which started in 2015. This piece has South African-inspired electronic music with lyrics in isiXhosa sung by Ntsika Fana Nxganga

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About Joanna

Joanna Holewa Chrona is a Swedish dancer, choreographer, project leader and Dj located in Sweden and South Africa. Her dance practice is based on several movement traditions: from the technically demanding, and political dance styles popping from the United States to isiPantsula, Sabar and Afro-Cuban dance from South Africa, Senegal and Cuba. During the last twelve years Joanna has participated as a dancer in a number of larger and smaller productions, both nationally and internationally. Since 2020, the focus has been on her own produced stage performances and festivals, exchanges and workshops. Joanna's aspirations and inspiration stem from the freedom, honesty, and purity of improvisation as well as from the transformative and healing power of dance, music, nature, and human connection.

Joanna's work is international and interdisciplinary and comes in different constellations. Joanna Holewa Chrona  started her collaboration with South African artists in 2015, with the Pantsula dance company Real Actions. Her engagement has only increased since then, through her non-profit organization, AFIA, which celebrates African cultures and connecting people, and whose board consists of board members from both Sweden and South Africa. Afia hosts an annual festival called ‘AFIA FESTIVAL’ showcasing South African culture since 2016.

Many of Joanna's works have South African-inspired music, lyrics, and movements. Joanna's interest lies in respectfully combining cultures and perspectives, always with the cooperation of all participating artists. One of AFIAS recent and still touring pieces is YEBO YES! With a Swedish/South African cast and creative team.

Joanna has also formed a duo with Yared Tilahun Cederlund called LAND BEFORE TIME. Together they are performing both indoor and outdoor performances on the theme of water and connection, and their latest piece Waterkind as been selected by Aerowaves as part of their Twenty25 artists.  

As of 2024/2025 Joanna is for the first time embarking a journey as a solo-choreographer and solo-dancer on stage with the piece “Phakathi Inside”.

As a DJ Joanna goes by the name of Shuwana and is continuing her relationship and interest for South African culture as she plays Afrotech and house music haling from South Africa

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Credits

Choreography & Dancer: Joanna Holewa Chrona

Soundcomposer: Yared T Cederlund

Vocals: Ntsika Fana Ngxanga

Light & Stage design: Ivan Wahren

Light design production assistant: Alba rask

Light technicians: Alba Rask, Eline Jacobsson, Ivan Wahren

Costume design: Lucy Siame

Seamstress: Agathe Thomassen

Handcrafted mask: Lucy Siame

Make up design: Elina Holewa Chrona

Movement research together with: Linda Hayford

Helping hand during premiere week: Stacey Aung

Dramaturg: Bodil Persson

Photographer & edit: Erik Linghede

Produced by: Joanna Holewa Chrona & Nordberg Movement

Distribution: Nordberg Movement

Co-producer: Slingan 3 scener (MDT, Atalante, Dansstationen)

Production assistent: Anna Eileen Nguyen Jeppesen

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Duration: 40 min
Premiere: 25th September 2025, MDT

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Support by: The swedish arts grants commiteé, Kulturrådet, Ubuntu Village, Stockholm Stad, Skånes dansteater, Malmö Stad

PRESENTED by Malmö Dance Week & IVER