LEGENDS (of the Golden Arches) by Merlynn Tong and Joe Paradise Lui premieres at Perth Festival, breaking new ground as two independent Asian Australian artists take on a Major Festivals Initiative commission to deliver a bold and ambitious work. Produced by Performing Lines WA, it’s a testament to how Asian Australian-led projects and independent artists are redefining Australia’s mainstages and opening doors once firmly shut. 

Facilitated by Tessa Leong, this panel brings together Merlynn Tong, Joe Paradise Lui, and Cezera Critti-Schnaars to explore how works like Legends are shaping the future of Australian theatre. These ambitious works, rooted in cultural heritage and global perspectives, challenge norms and engage audiences in bold new ways.  

As we celebrate this breakthrough, we look ahead—to the stories and voices yet to be heard, and the potential for local artists to lead the next chapter of Australian theatre. How do we sustain these new forms of storytelling and their lasting impact? 

Join us to reflect, celebrate, and to continue the conversation. Stay afterwards for food, drinks, and to continue the conversation. 

Register Here

Sun 23 Feb 5.30 – 7.00pm
AGWA Theatrette, WA

Please register by Friday 14 February, 10am to confirm your attendance. If you miss the deadline, you're still welcome to attend—just come along on the day!

Presented by Perth Festival in partnership with Contemporary Asian Australian Performance and Performing Lines WA.  

Having reached his milestone 80th birthday, pioneering artist William Yang reflects on his extraordinary life in this epic new performance. Yang’s iconic photographs and captivating stories are complemented by a haunting score performed live with orchestra.

Internationally acclaimed Australian composer Elena Kats-Chernin — a long-time friend and collaborator of Yang’s — composed a moving score especially for Milestone, and will perform live on stage alongside the Orchestra for this performance.

Yang is a trailblazing champion of Asian–Australian culture internationally. He documented the birth of Australia’s LGBTQI+ rights movement from the early days of Sydney’s Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras to the devastating impact of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in the 1980s and 90s. Unassuming, evocative and honestly examined, Yang looks back on his vast archive of photography, contemplating five decades of social change and the evolution of Australia’s bohemian artist community.

Milestone is Yang’s most ambitious and personal performance to date. Don’t miss this one-night-only encounter with a legend of Asia-Pacific performance sharing his stories of immigration, sexuality, creativity and family.

THE SYDNEY MORNING HERALD
"Yang has produced a body of work that speaks a universal language, inviting us to forget about those differences that are only skin deep and reflect on the things that are truly important."

PERFORMANCES

Sydney Festival

Friday 10 January, 7:30pm
Saturday 11 January, 7:30pm
Roslyn Packer Theatre (The Thirsty Mile), Walsh Bay Arts Precinct
TICKETS

Asia TOPA

Thu 20 February at 7:30 pm
Hamer Hall, Arts Centre Melbourne 
Performed live by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
TICKETS

Duration 130 mins

CREDITS

Creator/Performer/Co-director William Yang
Composer/Pianist Elena Kats Chernin 
Dramaturg/Co-director Tessa Leong 
Conductor Simon Bruckard
Production Manager Neil Simpson 
Technical Director Daniel Herten 
Producer Fenn Gordon for Tandem 
Auspiced by Performance Space 

SUPPORTED BY 

Commissioned by Asia TOPA, Arts Centre Melbourne, Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Sydney Festival and Contemporary Asian Australian Performance. 

Milestone is supported by Playking Foundation and the Robert Salzer Foundation, with additional support from Creative Australia and City of Sydney.

Thank you to Lyle Chan & Jackie Thomas-Piccardi; Jeff Khan, Tam Nguyen & the Asia TOPA team; Olivia Ansell, Rosa Coyle-Hayward & the Sydney Festival team; Sandi Woo & the CAAP team.

Hero image

Photo credit: George Gittoes 

CAAP and Polyglot Theatre are partnering to present Artist Jam, introducing Asian Australian artists to the dynamic world of children’s theatre.

Delivered in collaboration with Polyglot Theatre, an internationally renowned pioneer in interactive theatrical experiences for young audiences, this day-long program immerses participants in the practices and processes of both companies. Through an engaging blend of playful workshops and hands-on exploration, you'll take to the floor for active participation, gaining invaluable insights into creating compelling theatre experiences for children, families, and communities

At the heart of this initiative is CAAP's mission to create pathways for Asian Australian artists, fostering connections and enhancing representation in the arts sector. Recognising the need to cultivate diverse voices in theatre for young audiences, this one-day event is thoughtfully designed to foster a space where play and curiosity are central to creativity, encouraging participants to immerse themselves in the world of young people’s theatre with joy and enthusiasm.

Be prepared to be physically joyful, meet new people, and be part of an interactive creative practice jam.

Artist Jam will run Mon 11 Nov.

Who is this for?

This opportunity is open to Asian Australian creatives at any career stage who are interested in participatory practice and/or working with children and families. This invitation is not limited to performers; sound designers, directors, set and costume designers and people running programs with children are all encouraged to apply. Applicants must be based in Victoria.

Successful applicants will be paid a daily rate for attending the day-long event.

How to Apply

EOIS are now closed

Applications will be assessed by the team at CAAP and Polyglot Theatre. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer individual feedback on unsuccessful applications. If you have any questions about the application process or access needs, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Acknowledgment 

This creative exchange is assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body.

CAAP is also supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW. Polyglot is supported by the Victorian government through. Creative Victoria.

Photo: Ben Searcy 

 

Immerse yourself in the dynamic creativity of Asian Australian artists at CAAP’s Longhouse: Works In Progress showcase. This year’s program bring five bold new works to the stage, spanning dance theatre, multimedia performance, cabaret, and comedy. It’s a rare chance to witness projects in their early stages of development, offering insight into the creative process while connecting with fellow artists and the wider community.

Join us for an evening of exploration and celebration as we spotlight the next generation of Asian Australian voices. After the performances, in true Longhouse style, you are invited to share a plate of food and engage in community chats.

ARTISTS

Christopher Gurusamy
Eric Jiang
Maybelline San Juan
Kimi Shazell
Michelle St Anne

TICKETS AND PERFORMANCES

Wed 27 Nov, 6:30 PM 
Bay 20, Carriageworks 

Tickets

Image: Jay Patel