With just six months to go until GALWAD unfolds across digital and broadcast platforms and live performance in Wales, the creative team behind this major Welsh cultural event is starting to be revealed.
Anthony Matsena will be joining the GALWAD creative team as Lead Choreographer, working alongside Associate Choreographer Louise Stern.
In his role as Lead Choreographer on GALWAD, Anthony Matsena will lead the choreography and movement direction across the project.
Born in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe and raised in Swansea, Matsena is a choreographer, performer and director working between mediums of dance, theatre, music and poetry. He co-founded Matsena Productions with his brother Kel in 2017 and together they make work around black stories while using their different skills in African dance, hip-hop, theatre and poetry.
Anthony was Sadler’s Wells Young Associate in 2018 and is an associate artist with National Dance Company Wales (NDC Wales). Forthcoming projects include ‘Codi’ with NDC Wales, a residency at Swansea’s Mission Gallery, and ‘Shades of Blue’ at Sadler’s Wells.
Matsena will be working with Associate Choreographer, Louise Stern, an artist and writer who grew up in an exclusively Deaf community and who uses various forms of language to explore communication.
Anthony Matsena said:
“Growing up in Swansea, I always dreamt of being involved in something epic and truthful in my hometown. I’m so happy that my dream is now unfolding right in front of me, and I couldn’t be prouder to be waving the Welsh flag alongside a stellar team - who have given me the space and tools to flourish.
“GALWAD doesn’t just rest on myself, Louise and Collective Cymru to deliver ground-breaking work. It also calls on the people and communities of Wales to bring their stories and passion to the project. That’s what’s most exciting about this. I’m truly grateful and can’t wait to see what we create together.”