‘So Much in Common’ is a minute-long fragment of a collaboration between artists Javier Velázquez Cabrero (Spain/Mexico) and Thembi Ngwenya (South Africa) which took place at the Nirox Foundation just outside of Johannesburg.
In describing the process, the dancer/choreographers share these key moments and thoughts:
“To begin with, Javier shared hand movements from Spanish singers from the 90’ with Thembi. They interest him because they evoke emotion, passion, sorrow and temperament. Thembi played with these gestures and transformed them into her own. Once the two were dancing and filming they noticed the camera was a dancer and an audience member simultaneously.
Thembi describes dance as an expression of joy, sadness, love, and hope but seminally as a connection with her god, her ancestors, and the ground.”
Concept & Creation | Javier Velázquez Cabrero & Thembi Ngwenya
Performer | Thembi Ngwenya
Musician | BS Bodas de sangre
Video Editor | Javier Velázquez Cabrero
Curator of The Long Minute | Bronwyn Lace