Wales and Korea connect in collaborative cross-country creations.

Wales Connection is a collaborative project between Wales and South Korea which pairs a Welsh choreographer with Korean dancers and a Korean choreographer with Welsh dancers culminating in double-bill performances in Seoul this November.

Choreographer and recent Bafta Cymru nominee, Anthony Matsena is working with eight dancers from Korea National Contemporary Dance Company (KNCDC) making a new work called ‘Canned Meat’, which he will create and produce in South Korea. Meanwhile, Korean powerhouse choreographer Boram Kim will spend three weeks in Wales working with dancers from National Dance Company Wales at their home at the Dance House in Cardiff Bay where he will create a new work called ‘Catachory’.

Both Korea and Wales have a strong sense of their unique historical and cultural backgrounds which they’ll share across this process culminating in performances under the heading Wales Connection in Seoul Arts Center Jayu Theater this 24-26 November. The event will showcase  dance in Wales and South Korea and the creative potential of working together.

 KNCDC X National Dance Company Wales
The World of Dance that transcends genre and form, leading to relationship beyond the boundaries
Wales Connection, a new double bill production by Kim Boram and Anthony Matsena

 Anthony Matsena’s work is highly physical and theatrical, often using powerful storytelling to explore difficult and relevant conversations. For this collaboration Anthony will present ‘Canned Meat’ with dancers from KNCDC. In Matsena’s words:

“Canned Meat explores the ideas of a world on the brink of collapse. Individuals find themselves bound together by a common desire to escape the grip of global capitalism, consumerism, and overworking.”

Boram Kim, artistic director of Ambigous Dance and highly creative choreographer will work with National Dance Company Wales in his signature style, working with the languages of dance and layering light and sound. His work will be called Catachory -– a word Boram invented to meaning ‘the invisible light which is a root of every life.’

Boram Kim asks "How can we interpret the light?" "Why do we live and move?" This performance is an attempt to find the light within myself and that of all through understanding and exploration of the body and to feel "catachory" which all of us have, had and will have, thereby making ourselves shine.”

National Dance Company Wales’ chief executive, Paul Kaynes, said: “Connecting with artists and people from around the world is core to our role as a national company of Wales. Working with Boram Kim and with KNCDC demonstrates how globally connected we, and Wales, are.   We look forward to sharing Boram Kim’s thrilling work with Welsh audiences in the future.’

"This exchange between Korea and Wales is so exciting as it brings together two cultures, filled with a rich history of the arts and of story-telling." Anthony explains. "The dream is to create a work that highlights the spirit of both countries but also delivers something that couldn't be made without with these two parts of the world coming together."

Wales Connection is supported by Wales Arts International