The Story of Chi is a new work of magic realism that follows the journey of a young girl and a teenage dragon. Chi, caught between her Japanese and Vietnamese heritage, finds herself at a crossroads during an unexpectedly turbulent time for her family. Torn between cultures and traditions, Chi’s world takes a fantastical turn when she meets Mizu, a risk-taking teenage dragon who has been separated from his family. As grandmother, mother and daughter each struggle to balance ancient traditions with their lives today, Chi and Mizu embark on daring adventures but their wish for independence might just separate them from their families forever. 

The Story of Chi marks a new collaboration between Terrapin and Contemporary Asian Australian Performance. Written by Hoa Pham, Jeremy Nguyen and Hiroki Kobayashi, this work uses body and shadow puppetry to craft a stunning world that explores love, courage, and the complexities of family. 

Performances

Thu 31 Oct– Sat 2 Nov '24
Space Theatre, Adelaide Festival Centre

BOOK TICKETS 

Key Creatives 

Writers Hiroki Kobayashi, Hoa Pham, Jeremy Nguyen  
Director Kenneth Moraleda  
Puppetry Director Sam Routledge  
Production Dramaturg Tessa Leong  
Lighting and Set Design: Benjamin Brockman
Costume Design: Rita Naidu
Composer Terumi Narushima 
Lighting Designer Benjamin Brockman 
Puppet Maker Danny Miller  
Performers Samuel Lau, Eliane Morel, Mayu Iwasaki, Juanita Navas-Nguyen 
Development Director Courtney Stewart  
Development Composer Matt Hsu  
Development Cast Yulan Jack, Meme Thorne,  
Development Partner La Boite 

Acknowledgments: 

This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.  

CAAP is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW and assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body. 

Terrapin is assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia and through Arts Tasmania by the Minister for the Arts. 

Image credit: Peter Mathews 

Delivered in collaboration with Sydney Theatre Company, Playwrights Lab convenes playwrights with artistic leaders, industry experts and established writers. It is supported by Sydney Theatre Company’s Watershed Program - their new home for new work and artistic development. At the core of Playwrights Lab is CAAP’s mission to address the underrepresentation of Asian Australian voices on stages. CAAP’s previous writers program LOTUS, delivered with Playwriting Australia (now Australian Plays Transform) supported over 70 writers, leaving an indelible mark on the national cultural landscape.

EOIS Are now Open

We are currently seeking expressions of interest from early-to-mid-career Asian Australian playwrights based in NSW to join this program. This year's initiative is led by CAAP Artistic Director, Tessa Leong and STC’s Artistic Director Kip Williams alongside Director of New Work and Artistic Development Paige Rattray. The day-long program will include opportunities for participants to connect with industry leaders and a masterclass with celebrated playwright Anchuli Felicia King, writer of American Signs, Poison of Polygamy, and White Pearl at the Sydney Theatre Company. Participants will gain insights into the new work ecosystem at STC, exploring how new works are developed and the ongoing connection points available to playwrights throughout their careers.

An honorarium will be paid to each of the successful participants.

Playwrights Lab, Gadigal will run Thu 10 Oct.

Who is Eligible 

• Early-to-mid-career Asian Australian playwrights of any age who have written at least one full-length play. The play doesn't need to have been performed.
• Writers must be NSW-based at the time of application.
• Writers must be available for the full day Thu 10 Oct.

How to Apply

Applications are now closed.

Applications will be assessed by the team at CAAP and Sydney Theatre Company. 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.

Acknowledgments 

Playwrights Lab is generously supported by Constellation Creatives Foundation.

CAAP is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW, and assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body.

STC Watershed Lead Patron: Jibb Foundation.

Image: Jay Patel

Presented in collaboration with Black Swan State Theatre Company, CAAP’s Playwrights Lab is coming to Whadjuk Boodjar this August. We are currently seeking expressions of interest from Asian Australian emerging playwrights, writers interested in playwriting and theatre makers based in Western Australia to join this program. This year's initiative is led by CAAP Artistic Director, Tessa Leong, alongside Black Swan State Theatre Company’s Artistic Director Kate Champion and Literary Director Chris Isaacs. The day-long program will include opportunities for participants to connect with industry leaders and a masterclass with an established playwright, offering insights into the commissioning and programming cycle at Black Swan State Theatre Company.

Looking to break in or sharpen your craft? Whether it's a short piece or a full-blown masterpiece in the making, this could be the place for you. 

An honorarium will be paid to each of the successful participants.

EOIS ARE NOW OPEN! 

We are currently seeking expressions of interest from Asian Australian emerging playwrights, writers interested in playwriting and theatremakers based in Whadjuk Boodjar to join this program.The day-long program will include opportunities for participants to connect with industry leaders and a masterclass with an established playwright, offering insights into the commissioning and programming cycle at Black Swan.

 Who is Eligible

• Asian Australian playwrights or aspiring playwrights of any age who have either written a short or full length play, or have an idea for a new work. It does not need to have been performed.
• Writers must live and work in WA at the time of application.
  
  

Not from WA? Watch this space for more announcements to come. 

How to Apply

Applications are now closed.

Applications will be assessed by the team at CAAP and Black Swan. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer individual feedback on unsuccessful applications.

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.

Acknowledgments

Presented in partnership with Black Swan Theatre Company, generously supported by Constellation Creatives Foundation.

CAAP is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW, and assisted by the Australian Government through the Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body.

Playwrights Lab demonstrates CAAP's ongoing commitment to Asian Australian Playwrights and creating pathways to Australian mainstage theatres.

Delivered in collaboration with La Boite Theatre, a leader in new Australian work, this day-long program convenes playwrights with artistic leaders, industry experts and established writers. Through facilitated discussion, practical workshops and peer to peer introductions, participants will gain invaluable insights into the programming and commissioning processes, all while forging connections and refining their craft.

At the core of Playwrights Lab is CAAP’s mission to address the underrepresentation of Asian Australian voices on stages. CAAP’s previous playwriting program LOTUS, delivered with Playwriting Australia (now Australian Plays Transform) supported over 70 writers, leaving an indelible mark on the national cultural landscape. 

This year's initiative is led by CAAP Artistic Director, Tessa Leong, and La Boite’s CEO and Artistic Director, Courtney Stewart. The day-long program will include opportunities for participants to connect with industry leaders and a masterclass with an established playwright, offering insights into the commissioning and programming cycle at La Boite.

Who is Eligible

• Early to mid-career Asian Australian playwrights of any age who have written a short or full length play. It does not need to have been performed.
• Writers must live and work in QLD at the time of application.

Not from QLD? Watch this space for more announcements to come. 

How to Apply

Applications for Playwrights Lab, Meanjin have now closed. 

Unfortunately we are not able to offer individual feedback on unsuccessful applications. 

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.

Acknowledgments 

Playwrights Lab x Meanjin is presented partnership with La Boite Theatre Brisbane, generously supported by Constellation Creatives Foundation.

CAAP is supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW, and assisted by the Australian Government through the Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body.