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—an embodiment of a powerful spirit.

What unfolds when one discovers that the magic resides within ourselves, and that the true superpower lies in the art of transmutation?

As Joanna embarks on her journey, the room metamorphoses, enveloped in light and sound that accentuate her essence and presence. Slow and intricate movements intertwine with bursts of restrained volcanic energy, embodying the life that animates the physical form.  

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 made by Yared Tilahun Cederlund  with lyrics in isiXhosa sung by Ntsika Fana Ngxanga. The name “Phakathi Inside” is a South African slang mixing isiZulu with English meaning "Inside Inside".

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

The work premiered at MDT in Stockholm September 25th 2025

Duration: 40min
Venue: Black Box/Theatre

Playing at:
MDT 25th, 26th, 27th, 28th of September 2025
Malmö Dance Week 29th oktober 2025
Detour Festival, Dansehallerne, Copenhagen 7 dec 2025
Dansstationen, Malmö 1 - April 2026
Atalante, Gothenburg 10 - 11 April 2026