Longhouse: Local Voices, Global Stories

Asian Australian artists are creating contemporary theatre that extends beyond both domestic and personal themes, drawing on cultural roots as well as international influences.

Works like Merlynn Tong’s Golden Blood pose new questions about the boundaries of Asian Australian identity, adding complexity and a global outlook to Australian stages. 

Are we looking inwards or facing outwards when we write these stories and are they talking to a local crowd or expecting a global reception? Does one come at the cost of the other? The way we position these stories and who we make them with brings its own set of challenges for the community and for audiences. In a local landscape where representation has often been limited, the stories we choose to tell—and who we’re telling them to—carry significant impact. 

In this Longhouse, we’ll explore the evolving nature of Asian Australian storytelling on our stages. We’ll be joined by artists who are leading these next steps, shaping the future of Australian theatre. 

About Longhouse

In some traditional societies, the Longhouse is the meeting place where the village gathers to share stories and bond as a community. Contemporary Asian Australian Performance's Longhouse Program combines talks, performances, masterclasses and workshops. Everyone interested in Asian Australian contemporary performance is welcome to attend. Snacks will be provided for conversations to continue after the panel discussion

Panelists

• Jordan Shea

• How Ngean

• Vaishnavi Suryaprakash

• Jules Orcullo