NDCWales Presents Codi by Anthony Matsena Production Info 20 minutes Codi emerges from the ashes to inspire us in 2022 with a powerful and energetic story about the strength in communities banding together to tackle the hardships of life through troubled times. Built on the foundations of Welsh mining stories told though dance, song, poetry and theatre, the audience is wrapped in a blanket of darkness before being led towards a light of hope and celebration. Creative Team Writer and assistant: Kel Matsena Dramaturg: Charlie Layburn Composer: Lara Agar (Mixing: Franklin Mockett, Mastering: Nick Watson) Costume Design: Danna SimSet Design: Cory ShippLighting Design: Ryan Joseph StaffordVoices: Aled Gomer, Holly Saunders, Bedwyr Bowen, Angharad Jones Young “Codi means to ‘rise up’ in an emotional and spiritual way. Throughout the creative process I’ve been working to understand my relationship to Wales. I started looking back at coal mining communities, personal stories and documentations of what it was like in that era and how it felt to work in the coal mines… History is hugely important to discuss but if you choose to draw on it, I feel it’s important to try and comment on the present and future too. It’s about creating work that honours the history of it all and somewhat reimagines it too” Anthony Matsena Choreographer Anthony Matsena Reviews “The piece was dramatically staged in hues of black and red, with lights flashing in the darkness. Despite its bleakness it contained optimism” - South Wales Argus “Anthony Matsena masterfully captures the plight of the Welsh miner in an ever-increasing claustrophobic encounter.” - Arts Scene in Wales "The piece’s message – of the importance of our connection to each other and to the earth – was extremely powerful." - Buzz Magazine Gallery