Adelaide Festival Centre’s OzAsia Festival is produced on Kaurna Yarta. We respect First Nations people around Australia and acknowledge the Kaurna people as the traditional custodians of the Adelaide Plains. We honour their spiritual relationship with their country and we do so in the spirit of reconciliation.
COVER OZASIA FESTIVAL 2024
Pink skies and magical feelings, Jessie Hui, Digital Illustration, 2024
My response to this year’s OzAsia Festival is an invitation to celebrate the diversity of passion and the interconnection within a community. The illustration situates the viewer to look over a group of cats gathered to play, to share knowledge and to learn from their uniqueness. Each of the cats has their roles and interests, some being expressive like a storyteller, a performer, some being introspective and observing as an audience, a dumpling explorer (can you name the different dumplings?) or just enjoying their bubble tea or a hug.
Immersing in whatever they aspire to do and from experiencing the new encounters that come along, the cats unknowingly enter a collective flow state, forming a glowing community.
So, join them to inspire and be inspired at this year’s OzAsia Festival!
OzAsia Festival, Australia’s largest annual multi-arts festival with a focus on engagement between Asia and Australia, is a platform that celebrates and makes us proud of our diverse heritage. It is at Adelaide Festival Centre during the successful OzAsia Festival that we glimpse Adelaide at its most diverse and inclusive.
The festival showcases modern-day Australia through performance, art, literature, food, and entertainment.
We look forward to welcoming families, foodies, festival fans and friends to Adelaide in spring.
We are committed to increasing South Australians’ participation in our society and economy and OzAsia Festival is a testament to this commitment.
The Government of South Australia proudly supports the much-loved OzAsia Festival and offer our congratulations for winning the national Creative Australia Asia Pacific Arts Awards in the Connect Category this year.
The Hon
Peter Malinauskas MP Premier of South Australia
OzAsia Festival is back for another year of Asian festivities here in Adelaide. Everyone’s favourite Moon Lantern Trail will once again light up the River Torrens/Karrawirra Parri
with a stunning collection of lanterns across four magnificent days and nights. During the day, a program of interactive workshops and performances will create an engaging and inviting atmosphere for those who wish to experience the trail in daylight hours.
This year, not only will the Lucky Dumpling Market be home to delicious Asian food, it will also see free performances by K-pop bands to entertain the crowds.
There is also an array of local actors performing alongside international superstars at this year’s event including Por Por’s Big Fat Surprise Wedding. The artwork of local artist Jessie Hui, who created the beautiful hero image, will represent this year’s festival.
The Hon
Andrea Michaels MP Minister for Arts, South Australia
We would like to extend a warm welcome to Joon-Yee Kwok in her first year as Artistic and Executive Producer of OzAsia Festival in its seventeenth year. Joon’s program, a continuation of our rich tradition, demonstrates the power that the arts have to connect, inspire and delight us.
Adelaide Festival Centre’s OzAsia Festival was the first of its kind in the nation and continues to lead on Australia’s cultural engagement with Asia. Respected here and abroad, we are proud to engage with Asian and Asian Australian arts, culture and ideas through all art forms.
Our welcome also to Sami Shah, curator of OzAsia’s Weekend of Words, a vibrant close to the festival which remains the largest assembly of Asian and AsianAustralian writers and thinkers. Join us in making a wish at the Tanabata: Star Village, a participatory and interactive art installation in the Dunstan Playhouse Foyer and to view the extensive contemporary visual arts program across the centre.
Please feel very welcome. See you there!
The Hon
Karlene Maywald Chair, Adelaide Festival Centre Trust
Douglas Gautier AM CEO & Artistic Director, Adelaide Festival Centre
Niina Marni and welcome to OzAsia Festival 2024!
This spring, we’re thrilled to host some of the world’s most acclaimed artists who can’t wait to meet you. From over the ocean, Koh Chieng Mun (you might know her from Crazy Rich Asians and Under One Roof) invites you to be her guest at Singapore Repertory Theatre’s Por Por’s Big Fat Surprise Wedding. Experience a hidden story of the 1945 bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki as told in Auslan by Deaf artist, Chisato Minamimura. And get ready to be wowed by Taylor Sheesh, the world’s most loved Taylor Swift impersonator. Closer to home, Terrapin and Contemporary Asian Australian Performance present The Story of Chi, a heartwarming tale about a young girl named Chi and her dragon friend, Mizu, perfect for all ages. Gaysian Empress, Dyan Tai brings club beats and Chinese opera drag to Permaisuri, an exuberant performance that will have you on your feet. And laugh out loud with (and at) Australia’s funniest comedians in The Special Comedy Comedy Special, hosted by the one and only Jason Chong from ABC Radio Adelaide.
OzAsia Festival is about bringing people together. It’s a festival of family and friendship, of community and culture, from across the sea and right here at home. It’s about you, and me, and everybody in between; and celebrating who we are, together.
From our own backyard, homegrown South Australian talent lights up our stages. Be the first to hear new songs from Parvyn’s latest album, Maujuda.
Experience hip hop artist Kultar Ahluwalia’s personal journey in The Mixed-Race Tape. Tune into the sounds of local Asian Australian artists at the OzAsia Festival Stage, Lucky Dumpling Market.
And that’s just a taste of what we have on our stages! There are so many more artists and stories to discover in our galleries and on the big screen. Not sure where to begin?
Kick off your OzAsia Festival adventure with us at Moon Lantern Trail lighting up the banks of the Karrawirra Pari/River Torrens. On your way to a show, stop by the Lucky Dumpling Market for delicious Asian cuisine, community performances and free entertainment. Then, wrap up your festival experience at OzAsia Festival’s Weekend of Words, our celebration of writing and ideas curated by writer and comedian, Sami Shah.
As the sun shines brighter and the days grow warmer, it’s the perfect time to leave winter behind and come together with your loved ones. And there’s no better place to do that than at OzAsia Festival, where everyone has a place and everyone is welcome. We can’t wait to see you!
Singapore Repertory Theatre
You are invited to the wedding of the year!
Por Por, the spirited 70-year-old matriarch of the loveable yet bewildered Chan family, is tying the knot – but the groom is a mystery to everyone including her own family. Is it true love or a wild Crime Stoppers episode?
Join son, Francis, his hapless wife Rainy, and their witty teen Prudentia as they unravel the mystery. Can they save the family from embarrassment, or will Por Por’s friends – restauranteur Ajeet, karaoke king Adam, and her maid Flordeliza – keep the wedding on track?
After an extended sold-out season in Singapore, it’s Adelaide’s turn to revel in the surprises of Por Por’s Big Fat Surprise Wedding. Come dressed in your wedding banquet best –this is one wedding you won’t want to miss!
Ticket includes fourcourse meal, and a glass of sparkling wine on arrival!
BANQUET ROOM WED 6 – FRI 8 NOV 6.30pm SAT 9 NOV 11.30am & 6.30pm
SUN 10 NOV 11.30am
WED & THU NIGHT & MATINEES
Adult $138
Group of 4+ $133 each
Table of 10 $130.80 each
FRI & SAT NIGHT
Adult $149
Group of 4+ $143 each
Table of 10 $141.80 each
Duration 120mins
Suitable 12+
Starring Koh Chieng Mun (Crazy Rich Asians, Under One Roof)
...a beloved romp full of fun and charm.
Tatler Asia
Taylor Sheesh
The Errors Tour
Are you ready for it?
Taylor Sheesh, the TikTok social media sensation taking the world by storm.
Known for her electrifying impersonation of Taylor Swift, Taylor Sheesh has captivated Swifties from the Philippines to Australia, Singapore, Vietnam, and Thailand, leaving them Wonderstruck.
With each performance, she brings the magic of Taylor’s music to life in Style, with stunning choreography and dazzling outfit reveals. Featured in Rolling Stone, The Guardian, Vulture, The Today Show, and Good Morning America, Taylor Sheesh is the fearless tribute to Taylor Swift.
Meet Taylor Sheesh after
Scored in Silence
Chisato Minamimura
A poignant portrayal of history and resilience, an evocative journey into a seldom-heard chapter of human endurance and survival.
Deaf Japanese artist Chisato Minamimura unveils the hidden perspectives of Deaf survivors of the 1945 atomic bombings in Japan.
Known as hibakusha, their stories are vividly brought to life through meticulous research, heartfelt interviews, and original films featuring elderly Deaf individuals who endured the events of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
Using innovative technology to reach a range of Deaf and hearing impaired people, Chisato champions the resilience of this marginalised group, revealing their struggles in the aftermath of the bombings and the ensuing discrimination.
This is a new way of remembering, and a way to remember buried pasts.
The Japan Society
Performed in Auslan with English surtitles
SPACE THEATRE
THU 24 OCT 6pm FRI 25 OCT 6pm + Q&A SAT 26 OCT 2pm
Adult $39
Conc $29
Duration 60mins
Suitable 12+
Warning: Violent themes/imagery, themes of death or dying
Images | Mark Pickthall
A Passage to Bollywood
Ashley Lobo
Navdhara India Dance Theatre
Journey to Mumbai and experience the romance, action, melodrama, and all the dancing of a big Bollywood film live on stage!
In this internationally acclaimed Bollywood extravaganza, a young village boy adventures to Mumbai, meets the girl of his dreams and faces the ‘Don’...
This classic Bollywood saga of love and friendship will have you on the edge of your seat and tapping your feet to old favourites as well as the latest Bollywood hits.
Experience breathtaking dance routines by renowned Bollywood film choreographer, Ashley Lobo, blending classical with contemporary styles to celebrate the vibrancy and magic of India.
Thrill, colour and energy are what people can expect when they
watch the celebrated Indian drama, A Passage to Bollywood. The Star (South Africa)
Duration 85mins
Suitable All ages
(See show warnings)
Warning: Violent themes/imagery including death and suicide, gun violence, loud and unexpected noises, haze effects
Special Comedy Comedy Special The
A one-night-only comedy extravaganza, jampacked with a lineup of Asian Australian comedians, hosted by ABC Radio Adelaide’s Jason Chong.
It’s a stellar showcase of comedy superstars fresh from Utopia (ABC), Have You Been Paying Attention? (Ten), Celebrity Letters and Numbers (SBS), and sold-out, award-winning festival shows. A night so special and so comedy that we had to name it twice – don’t miss your chance to see The Special Comedy Comedy Special.
Urvi
Majumdar
Anh Do
Presented by A-List Entertainment
The Happiest Refugee Live!
Inspired by his bestselling book, The Happiest Refugee, Anh Do invites you to an evening of stand-up comedy woven with heartwarming storytelling.
Called “the most surprising and inspiring read I have had in years” by Russell Crowe, Anh’s live performance brings his incredible journey to life with real-life stories, photos, and filmed pieces that will make you laugh and cry.
Adult $74.90
Irrepressible good humour, infectious energy and bright optimism.
The Sydney Morning Herald
THU 7 NOV 7.30pm
Concession $69.90
Duration 90mins
Suitable 7+
(no babes in arms permitted)
Permaisuri Dyan Tai
A live music and performance art project by electronic musician, singer, and cabaret artist Dyan Tai.
A queer, euphoric fever dream that you don’t want to wake up from.
The Age
Blending Chinese operatic elements with cyberpunk drag and immersive projections by Juune Lee, this show explores queer identity and the diasporic migrant experience in Australia.
Featuring a cast of East/Southeast Asian excellence, it celebrates culture and community, marking the culmination of Tai’s work as a trailblazer in Sydney’s music and arts scene.
SPACE THEATRE FRI 8 NOV 7.30pm
Adult $39
Concession $29
Duration 60mins
Suitable All ages
Warning: Strobe lighting
Image | Chris Queen FX | Juune Lee
Qais Essar
Master of the rabab and awardwinning Afghan composer, instrumentalist and producer.
Qais Essar artfully blends the rich folk and classical music traditions of ancient India and Afghanistan with the music of today, crafting a fusion of diverse musical influences and styles, and performed on the Afghan rabab.
His compositions, featured in Oscarnominated films and performed at The Kennedy Center, span film scores, chamber music, American folk and contemporary rock.
An evening of emotional and thoughtprovoking music with one of the world’s leading rabab artists.
This is timeless, spellbinding music that wraps itself around you, and won’t let go.
Sydney Morning Herald
Maujuda Parvyn Album Launch Party
Genre-drifting pop melds with classical Indian raga, soul, and jazz as Punjabi Australian vocalist Parvyn launches her sophomore album, Maujuda.
Known for her ethereal voice and captivating presence, Parvyn has toured globally with The Bombay Royale and earned an ARIA nomination for her debut solo album, Sa.
Maujuda blends contemporary rock, disco, and jazz with rich Sikh Punjabi folk traditions, exploring themes of travel and displacement inspired by Parvyn’s migration history.
Parvyn’s beautifully modulated voice is seductive to the ear.
The Advertiser
NEXUS
8 NOV 8pm
Image | Harry Webber
Album recording supported by Creative Australia and Creative BC (Canada)
Mixed-Race Tape
Kultar Ahluwalia and Nexus Arts
An autobiographical masterpiece from South Australian hip-hop artist Kultar Ahluwalia.
This multidisciplinary performance blends hip-hop with old recordings, family interviews, and spoken word, explores identity, masculinity, mixed marriage, and fatherhood. Kultar delves into his Punjabi heritage and upbringing, revealing the miraculous steps that connect us all. A past recipient of the Hilltop Hoods Initiative, Kultar’s unique blend of storytelling and hip-hop is a highlight of Adelaide’s vibrant scene.
Image | Paul Charles Bartlett
Chloe Kim
A celebration of playfulness and experimentation, drummer Chloe Kim 김예지 offers an expressive and masterful performance of solo drumkit.
Spanning jazz, experimentation, minimalism, and maximalism, this is an unparalleled opportunity to witness the propulsive power and astonishing beauty conjured by one of Australia’s top improvising musicians.
So distinctive [...] an innovator in her own right.
The Sydney Morning Herald
NEXUS ARTS VENUE
WED 30 OCT 7pm + Q&A
Adult $35
Concession $29
Duration 60mins
Suitable All ages
Image | Esther Wong
Tanabata: Star Village
ArtsPeople with Slow Art Collective
Inspired by the vibrant Japanese star festival, get ready for a handson art adventure perfect for families!
Experience the love story of two stars – Orihime and Hikoboshi – as the Tanabata: Star Village expands and grows in the Dunstan Playhouse Foyer. Surrounded by an evolving galaxy of wishes and dreams, make origami and write your wishes on tanzaku cards to hang on a labyrinth of bamboo woven together with recycled materials. This interactive installation brings hopes, dreams, and the joyous spirit of Tanabata to life.
Image | Lindy Goodwin
The Story of Chi
Terrapin and Contemporary Asian Australian Performance
Twelve-year-old
Amidst the turmoil, Chi meets Mizu, a young dragon facing his own separation from his family. This magical story of daring and adventure comes to life through body and shadow puppetry.
Perfect for families, it’s a captivating coming-of-age tale that explores the bonds uniting us across generations.
Duration 45mins
Suitable All ages
Themes of death, haze effects
Image | Terrapin/Peter Mathew
Moon Lantern Trail
THU 24 > SUN 27 OCT THU > FRI: 5pm – late SAT > SUN: 12pm – late
Get ready for an enchanting four days of free fun for the whole family at Moon Lantern Trail!
Lighting up the opening weekend of OzAsia Festival, Moon Lantern Trail celebrates harvest festival traditions and stories from across Asia. Beautiful by day, but as the sun sets, the Karrawirra Parri/River Torrens riverbank transforms into a wonderland of light and sound with over a dozen giant lanterns casting their glow.
The Hong Kong dragon lantern promises to be a highlight alongside much-loved fan favourites.
Wander through Tarntanya Wama/Pinky Flat, and enjoy delicious food, roving performances, puppetry, live music and kids workshops with Adelaide artists and communities.
Let the path of luminous lanterns light your way to a magical OzAsia Festival experience!
Lucky Dumpling
Market
Everyone’s favourite spring festival hub is back, with delicious food, free entertainment, and fun for the whole family.
Indulge your senses at OzAsia Festival’s Lucky Dumpling Market with the sights, sounds, tastes and smells of a bustling Asian open-air food market along the banks of Karrawirra Parri/River Torrens!
Spend your balmy spring evenings with some of Adelaide’s best food vendors cooking up delicious authentic Asian cuisine from Korea, Vietnam, The Philippines, Thailand, Taiwan, India, Malaysia and more. From bubble tea and baos to noodles and everyone’s favourite mouth-watering dumplings,
Lucky Dumpling Market is the perfect place to grab a bite before or after your show with family and friends.
On the OzAsia Festival Stage, be entertained by free live music and DJs from local, interstate and international artists, along with cultural performances showcasing our wonderful local community groups on weekends.
Brought to you by OzAsia Festival and Gluttony, grab your crew and make Lucky Dumpling Market your place to be during OzAsia Festival.
Closing Night Party
L-FRESH The LION
L-FRESH The LION is here to close the OzAsia Festival in style!
Renowned for his powerful lyrics and dynamic performances, L-FRESH
The LION is one of Australia’s most celebrated hip-hop artists. An ARIA nominee with a global presence, he has spoken and performed at the United Nations, rocked MTV India, and shared stages with legends like Sir Elton John, Nas, and Hilltop Hoods.
Join us at the Lucky Dumpling Market for an electrifying end to the festival with this hip-hop powerhouse!
LUCKY DUMPLING MARKET
OzAsia Festival Stage SUN 10 NOV 7.30pm
Suitable All ages FREE
Duration 60mins
Lucky Dumpling Market Australian Music Showcase
Discover fresh tracks for your playlists and kick start your weekends with a stellar line-up of exceptional Australian artists.
ONE WEEKEND
Brian Ruiz
Thu 24 Oct 7.30pm
Hailing from South Australia, Brian Ruiz is a man who sings from the soul! With his rich, honey-husky tones and heartfelt songs, Brian’s performances are a true expression of his Filipino heritage and South Australian roots. His authentic and passionate style has made him a standout in the SA music scene.
DOBBY
Fri 25 Oct 7.30pm
DOBBY is a true force of nature, with his electrifying live performances leaving audiences spellbound. A Filipino and Murrawarri rapper, drummer, composer, and producer, DOBBY’s dynamic live show is a spellbinding blend of powerful beats and profound roots from the Aboriginal lands of New South Wales.
LUCKY DUMPLING MARKET
OzAsia Festival Stage
THU 24 OCT – SUN 10 NOV
Hyoshi in Counterpoint
Sat 26 Oct
7.30pm
Debuting during OzAsia Festival 2022, Hyoshi in Counterpoint is an eclectic collective of six women hailing from various musical traditions. With a blend of guzheng, shamisen, viola/ violin, cello, keyboard, and percussion, this ensemble generates a distinctive and vibrant auditory experience.
Image | Lester Wong
Nathan Hui-Yi
Sun 27 Oct 7.30pm
Suitable All ages FREE
Adelaide’s own Nathan Hui-Yi, a trailblazing ChineseAustralian rapper and producer, has reshaped the hip-hop scene with his unique sonic aesthetic and storytelling flow. His dynamic live performance blends eclectic beats with nostalgic vignettes of life growing up in Adelaide. 27
TWO WEEKEND
Australian Music Showcase
Chinese Electronic Music Project
Thu 31 Oct
7.30pm
Get ready for an exhilarating fusion of East and West with Aaron Duff 杜仁. After 20 years of immersing in Chinese culture, Aaron brings you his latest album Manchuria, blending traditional Manchurian instruments with modern digital soundscapes.
Big Bao
Fri 1 Nov 5.30pm
Big Bao returns to OzAsia Festival for their second year, bringing together local DJs Bibbe Zee, Vicky Zeng, Cookie and Small FRY. Expect an all-night, back-to-back set featuring an expertly curated Asian Australian playlist.
Koleh
Sat 2 Nov 7.30pm Blending sounds from Southeast Asia and contemporary indie-pop, Koleh creates a unique dreamy sound in his music. Rooted in his Kenyah Dayak heritage and featuring the traditional Sampe lute, Koleh’s music offers a dreamy, cultural journey.
Gene Phoa
Sun 3 Nov 6pm
Gene Phoa is an Adelaideborn Indie/ Alternative artist of Indonesian and MalaysianChinese descent. Melding his luminous voice with confessional lyrics, dreamy guitars and timeless sounds, Gene takes listeners on a journey through his experiences in love, loss, and self-discovery.
Elizabeth Ruyi
Sun 3 Nov 7.30pm
Elizabeth Ruyi is an Adelaide singersongwriter who shares her honest passion for music in every performance. Drawing from her AustralianMalaysianChinese heritage, Ruyi weaves heartfelt stories that captivate audiences with her angelic nature and profound sincerity.
Image | Kirsty Xinxin Duff
THREE WEEKEND
Lucky Dumpling Market
Australian Music Showcase
Jennifer Trijo
Thu 7 Nov
7.30pm
Filipino singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist
Jennifer Trijo is back with a set of her latest original songs. Accompanied by her skillful band, she will serenade you with dynamic arrangements and captivating storytelling through a delicious blend of folk, RnB, spoken word, and pop.
Noriko Tadano
Fri 8 Nov
6pm
Experience the mesmerizing artistry of Noriko Tadano, an award-winning virtuoso of the Japanese shamisen (a 3-string, banjo-like instrument) and traditional vocalist. With a global presence, she seamlessly blends traditional and modern Japanese music, captivating audiences worldwide.
Aussie K-Poppers United Concert & Seoul Vibe
Catch the Korean wave (Hallyu) and dive into the shiny world of K-pop!
The Aussie K-Poppers United Concert is a spectacular showcase of the hottest Australian K-pop cover dance crews and vocalists straight from the 2024 K-Pop Cover Dance Festival in Sydney. These top groups have already battled it out for a chance to represent Australia on the global stage in Seoul, and now they’re bringing their mindblowing performances to Adelaide.
Don’t miss out on witnessing rising rookies reach idol status with Seoul Vibe. Get in early and stan these exceptional talents before they skyrocket to super stardom, hypnotising the world with their electrifying performances.
Join us for an epic celebration of the heart-thumping beats, genre-bending songs, and dynamic choreography that define the global K-pop phenomenon.
LUCKY DUMPLING MARKET
OzAsia Festival Stage SAT 9 NOV
WANT THE INSIDE SCOOP ON K-POP?
Hear from those in the know with our FREE K-pop workshop. K-Wave Connect: The Rise of K-culture in Australia
Drama Rehearsal Room SAT 9 NOV 11am
Silent Sanctuary SunKissed Lola and
An electrifying night as Filipino musical powerhouses Silent Sanctuary and SunKissed Lola unite in concert.
Known for soul-stirring melodies and fusion of alternative rock, Silent Sanctuary will captivate with hits like Ikaw Lamang, Hiling, and Kundiman.
SunKissed Lola brings energetic indie pop and beach-inspired tunes, featuring favourites including Pasilyo and Paki Sabi.
Presented by ADLkha Events
Mountains, Clouds, Streams
Presented by Elder Conservatorium of Music
ELDER HALL FRI 1 NOV 1.10pm
China / Hong Kong / Australia
ELDER HALL
FRI 1 NOV 7.30pm
Drawing from Chinese inkbrush landscape paintings, evoking nature’s beauty and themes in Chinese poetry, art, and music, this concert transcends cultural boundaries, celebrating the profound connection between humanity and the natural world.
Renowned sheng player Loo Sze-wang joins the Elder Conservatorium Symphony Orchestra under Luke Dollman’s direction for an exquisite performance of new works, featuring compositions by Hing-yan Chan, Professor of Music at the University of Hong Kong, and Australian composer Stephen Whittington.
Loo Sze-wang’s technical authority and musical sensitivity dominated... inventively conceived and expertly rendered.
South China Morning Post
All Tickets $20
Duration 50mins
Suitable All ages
The New World of
Chinese Music
Highlighting the dynamic transformations within this rich musical heritage spanning 2,000 years, distinguished international and local artists will explore the vibrant history of China.
Guzheng performer, Yuqiong Zhang (China), sheng performer, Loo Sze-wang (Hong Kong), and Silk Strings (Australia) perform with the Elder Conservatorium Chinese Orchestra, to honour China’s ancient traditions while embracing contemporary influences.
Adult $20
Conc $10
Student $10
Duration 75mins
Suitable All ages
Yuqiong Zhang, guzheng
AnimeGO! Japan Pop Culture Festival
Level up for an epic journey into the heart of Japanese pop culture at the ninth annual AnimeGO! Japan Pop Culture Festival.
Ready your best cosplay and prepare to be spirited away from Adelaide to the buzzing streets of Akihabara. Unleash your inner otaku with a world where anime, manga, and vibrant cosplay converge. Explore stalls brimming with collectibles, sing out loud at our karaoke stations, and enjoy live performances that pulse
Gather your guild, grab some takoyaki, and dive into a day of spectacular fun and festivities. It’s time to celebrate the magic of AnimeGO!
Weekend of OzAsia Festival’s
Join us for a weekend of thoughtprovoking panels and inspiring conversations at Australia’s largest gathering of Asian and Asian Australian writers and thinkers.
Words
This year we welcome special guests from South Korea, Sri Lanka and Singapore Writers Festival, alongside local storytellers, and national award-winners.
From the Opening Night Gala to the Closing Night Debate, OzAsia Festival’s Weekend of Words is the perfect finale for the festival.
Benjamin Law Vajra Chandrasekera
Shelley Parker-Chan
Curated by the multi-award-winning writer and comedian Sami Shah, OzAsia Festival’s Weekend of Words this is one literary feast you won’t want to miss!
This year’s and many more!
Sara M. Saleh Lawrence Leung Louisa Lim Qin Qin stellar lineup includes:
Stay tuned for the full program announcement this September.
The most powerful, daring, and groundbreaking literature in Australia today is crafted by Asian Australian writers. From literary novels and comics to poetry, screenplays, young adult fiction, and travelogues, their work is redefining boundaries, winning awards, and connecting with all Australians. Spend a weekend immersed in the transformative power of words at an event that brings celebrated authors and emerging voices together. Engage in stimulating conversations, lively debates, and powerful poetry recitals. Discover new books, gain fresh insights, and perhaps find the inspiration to craft your own stories. Experience the exhilaration of change at the most thrilling literary event across Australia and Asia. Every page turned promises a new adventure.
Shah Curator, OzAsia Festival’s Weekend of Words
Shah
Curator
Sami
Sami
Contemporary Discover Asian Cinema
All We Imagine as Light
2024, France, India, Netherlands, Luxembourg, 115 mins, 15+
Directed by Payal Kapadia
Malayalam and Hindi with English subtitles
“This is a glorious film.”
The Guardian
This year’s Cannes Grand Prix winner, the lambent All We Can Imagine as Light, is a dreamy romantic drama following the quest for love by two women nurses, one older with a husband abroad and the younger in the first throes of desire. The director who won Best Documentary at Cannes in 2021 represents Mumbai both observationally and as a dreamscape.
Black Dog
2024, China, 110 mins, 15+
Directed by Guan Hu
Mandarin Chinese with English subtitles
Winner of Cannes 2024’s Un Certain Regard.
After a decade in prison, Lang returns to his hometown near the Gobi Desert Beijing’s 2008 Olympics preparations. After unexpectedly bonding with a dog marked for bounty, he resolves to protect other strays. A compelling tale of redemption, distinguished by both its deadpan humour and magnificent cinematography, Eddie Peng’s powerful performance anchors this neonoir western.
Crossing
2024, Sweden, Denmark, France, Türkiye, Georgia, 106 mins, 15+
Directed by Levan Akin
Georgian, Turkish and English with English subtitles
“Istanbul is described as a place where people come to disappear. But Crossing uses delicate brushstrokes to depict the city also as a place where transformative encounters can bring change and greater self-knowledge.”
The Hollywood Reporter
Lia, a retired teacher from Georgia, embarks on a quest to find her long-lost niece, Tekla. She meets Achi, a wayward youth looking for any escape. This unlikely pair travel to Istanbul searching for her missing niece.
Adelaide Film Festival and OzAsia Festival are bringing the latest, contemporary Asian films to cinemas near you. This year’s selection includes two award-winning films from India, including the first Indian film to compete at Cannes Film Festival in 30 years, plus the biggest crowd-pleasers from the Berlin International Film Festival and more.
My Favourite Cake
2024, Iran, France, Sweden, Germany, 96 mins, 15+
Directed by Maryam Moghaddam and Behtash Sanaeeha
Farsi with English subtitles
“...this wonderfully sweet and funny film will contribute to the debate about whether repressive regimes are the nursery of artistic greatness.”
The Guardian
Seventy-year-old Mahin lives alone in Tehran since she was widowed thirty years ago. After she opens herself up to new romance with divorced taxi driver Faramarz, what begins as an unexpected encounter quickly evolves into an unpredictable, unforgettable evening.
See the full Adelaide Film Festival program from 17 September
Nocturnes
2024, India, USA, 83 mins, All ages
Directed by Anirban Dutta and Anupama Srinivasan Hindi, English and Bugun with English subtitles
“A true cinematic escape”
Variety
In this mesmerising, meditative documentary, a scientist treks the Eastern Himalayas’ high rainforests uncovering the hidden world of a wide array of moth species, attracted to the screens and lights set up nightly. Winner of Sundance’s craft award, this documentary awakens us to the beauty of moths, and the impact of climate change on an interrelated ecosystem.
The Seed of the Sacred Fig
2024, Iran, Germany, France, 172 mins, 15+
Directed by Mohammad Rasoulof
Farsi with English subtitles
“An anguished cry from the heart”
IndieWire
Mohammad Rasoulof’s defiant indictment of the Iranian regime focusses on a judge with the power of life and death. However, his comfortable life quickly unravels as he faces a generational revolt from within his family in this taut political thriller. Rasoulof presented this Special Jury awarded film at Cannes only after fleeing Iran on foot.
For session dates, times and tickets, visit from 17 September, adelaidefilmfestival.org
Counterpoise & Dancing Against the Odds
By Restless Dance Theatre & University of South Australia Connect2Abilities.
Starring
Restless Dance Theatre, 29Dong Dance Theatre & Korean Music Project.
Counterpoise is a stirring dance film created at the height of the pandemic, forcing everyone to find ways to form connections when physical closeness was inherently dangerous. Working on cross-cultural projects via online technologies brought four global organisations together to create a bold new dance work for screen.
In a stunning accompanying documentary, Dancing Against the Odds, produced by University of South Australia Connect2Abilities and directed by Matt Byrne, follows the making of the dance film Counterpoise, the highs and lows and the determination of all the artists to continue to collaborate to make great art, cross culturally during a pandemic. These will be screened as a double bill, followed by a meet-andgreet with the Restless Dance Theatre dancers.
Counterpoise directed by Matt Byrne, Larissa McGowan Dancing Against the Odds directed by Matt Byrne
For session dates, times and tickets, visit from 17 September, adelaidefilmfestival.org
Image | Matt Byrne
Life Maps Jingwei Bu
OzAsia Festival’s Artist in Schools resident, Jingwei Bu, brings daily life to the walls of Artspace through performative drawings made in collaboration with children aged 3-7.
Since 2016, Life Maps has explored memory, movement, and ritual with simple yet profound marks – green dots to go, red dots to stop, and black lines tracing life’s steps. Bu, a multidisciplinary artist, captures the essence of time and experience in her work. Each artwork tells a unique story, reflecting the diverse experiences of life.
| Lana Adams
Vivian Ho
Reimagined realities and fantastical utopias capture Hong Kong’s urban dynamism, prompting deep reflection on life and our surroundings.
Wish you were here evokes solitude and yearning within urban landscapes, challenging perceptions and celebrating communal unity. Hong Kong artist Vivian Ho’s art highlights the imperfect yet beautiful journey we all share, offering profound inspiration and fresh ways of seeing the world.
Hello, how am I?
Jessie Hui
Lift your spirits and see the world from the feline perspective.
Step into the enchanting world of Jessie Hui, OzAsia Festival’s cover art commissioned artist, whose whimsical paintings capture the journey to finding peace in everyday life through the eyes of a cat.
Inspired by anime, video games and cat memes, Hui creates playful work that is graphic, colourful and dreamy.
Hello, how am I? presents a snapshot of Hui’s explorations in wellness and self-care from the cat’s perspective, and includes OzAsia Festival 2024 cover art commission, Pink skies and magical feelings.
Reuniting Cargoes
Underwater
Cultural Heritage from the Maritime Silk and Spice Route
The Maritime Silk and Spice Route witnessed a vast exchange of ideas, religions, languages, and objects.
Flinders University, Discipline of Archaeology
However, the significance of the salvaged shipwrecks and cargoes remains untold. Reuniting Cargoes showcases trade ceramics from the 9th to the 19th centuries and digital reconstructions of the ships, illustrating how archaeologists and communities use science to uncover their cultural importance. These narratives guide us towards protecting underwater cultural heritage for future generations.
Suitable
Funded by the Australian Research Council, Ministry of Marine Affairs and Fisheries, A. Hunter OAM, M. Abbott AO KC, and D. Gautier AM.
Saree Selections
In this unique collaboration where culture, art and fashion intersect, South-Asian Australian slow fashion house, Saree Selections, showcases Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artworks on their latest collection of sarees.
Through a process of cultural exchange, creativity and mutual respect, this collection honours the traditions and artistry of Australia’s First Peoples in a contemporary cross-cultural expression of Australian identity. A
Artwork | Presten Warren
An Action for Mourning
Phuong Ngo
The
form of a folded origami sampan has been a consistent motif in Phuong
Ngo’s practice.
Taught to him by his mother, this form has been the foundation of several works examining the Vietnamese Diaspora’s history of migration.
In this piece, folding a sampan from Hell Bank Notes occurs within three former refugee camps established after the fall of Saigon in 1975. This act mourns lives lost at sea and those that continue to be lost while seeking refuge.
Courtesy of the artist and This is No Fantasy
Screen Weaves Sher Ali
In this provocative window installation and exhibition, Afghan artist Sher Ali contemplates the desire to weave barriers against chaos and yearning for peace in a turbulent world. These works contain imagery that may be challenging for some viewers. We encourage viewers to visit the website and read the artist statement to understand more about this work.
Screen Weaves (window installation) a reimagining of The Disaster Shield originally commissioned by Arts House, City of Melbourne
Creative Development
Two Blood Australian Dance Theatre ARTIST TALK
Two Blood is a beautifully human story uncovering a hidden history of our nation.
Supported by Arts SA and Creative Australia, and National Foundation for Australia-China Relations.
Visionary artists Daniel Riley (Australian Dance Theatre), S. Shakthidharan (Kurinji) and Jasmin Sheppard unearth an epic story of love, connection and belonging in Two Blood, a new interdisciplinary dance work.
Under the blistering Queensland sun, two skeletons are found in a forever embrace. This discovery sets an inter-generational quest for belonging that transcends cultures, borders and time.
Artists and audiences are invited into the rehearsal room to gain insight into the process of creating cross cultural performance from some of Australia’s leading practitioners.
DRAMA CENTRE REHEARSAL ROOM
THU 31 OCT 5pm
Duration 60mins
Suitable 12+
Image | Sam Roberts
Two Blood MASTERCLASS
Australian Dance Theatre
Australian Dance Theatre opens its doors for an exclusive masterclass on the creative development processes behind Two Blood.
Led by Artistic Director Daniel Riley and Artistic Associate Brianna Kell, the masterclass invites artists to step inside the world of Two Blood, the company’s latest work currently in creative development. Artists will interrogate the cross-disciplinary processes underpinning this new work, navigating a unique fusion of text, movement, and ceremony.
The masterclass is designed for dancers aged 18+ engaged in professional practice aged, including full-time dance students, recent graduates, and established dance practitioners.
Scan the QR for more information and registration.
WED 6 NOV 9.30am
Artistic Director’s Fund
All Things at Once
Six young actors face personal challenges amid rapid technological advancements, isolation and love in a changing world.
All Things at Once, reimagined for OzAsia Festival and currently in creative development, invites you to see through the eyes of an emerging generation navigating extraordinary times. It explores the brilliance, romance and confusing agony of what it means to be young and seeking meaningful connection in a fragmented world. Delve into the creative processes and technology behind the production through two workshops with the creative team. Discover MixTra-Cam, a multi-camera live broadcast app using smart phones and tablets for live performance. Explore the collaborative creative process of Infinity, an innovative theatre company that integrates the practices, interests and ideas of young artists with those of established artists.
WORKSHOP: INTRODUCTION TO MIXTRA-CAM
Drama Centre
Rehearsal Room
Mon 21 Oct 6pm
WORKSHOP: AGENCY AND MAKING THEATRE WITH YOUNG PEOPLE
Drama Centre
Rehearsal Room Tue 22 Oct 6pm
Image | Lai Ka-fung
All Things at Once was commissioned by Hong Kong Arts Festival as a Young Friends
World Premiere / Adelaide Exclusive
Rising out of Water
South Australian Playwrights Theatre Presented by OzAsia Festival’s Weekend of Words
Adelaide writerperformers explore concepts of home, the Asian diaspora and decision-making in a transient world.
Rising out of Water features staged readings of three new performance works by Danielle Lim (The Good Decisions Project), Elvy-Lee Quici (Xuan) and Matt Hawkins (Typhoon), and directed by Valerie Berry. Be among the first to see these original scripts in development, followed by a conversation with the creative teams.
SPACE THEATRE SAT 9 NOV 6.45pm
Duration 80mins
Suitable 16+
Warning: Themes of death or dying
Artist Lab
CAAP’s Artist Lab is back!
Artist Lab is a multi-day professional development program for Asian Australian artists designed by Contemporary Asian Australian Performance (CAAP). Artist Lab aims to expand artistic practices and experiences for South Australian artists and is delivered in collaboration with leading South Australian companies. Artist Lab plays a critical role in increasing sector engagement with cultural diversity in the arts, to create a more equitable, accessible and representative industry.
CAAP’s Artist Lab has been an integral part of the OzAsia Festival program since 2021 as a key mechanism to support independent Asian Australian artists in their creative practice and develop local networks.
Workshops & Masterclasses at OzAsia Festival
Experience a rare opportunity to learn from internationally renowned artists at OzAsia Festival.
Our acclaimed artists will deliver workshops and masterclasses for professional artists, families, and communities throughout the festival. Stay tuned for announcements on the OzAsia Festival website. Don't miss your chance to enhance your skills under the guidance of top creative professionals!
ARTIST DEVELOPMENT
Arts South Australia
Image | Ben Searcy
Your donation supports OzAsia Festival’s mission to nurture the next generation of AsianAustralian artists and audiences.
program Take your career to the next level
Foster your students’ artistic and cultural understanding with Adelaide Festival Centre’s centrED Schools Program this OzAsia Festival
With equity of access at the heart of what we do, centrED’s OzAsia Festival program for schools provides free and low-cost opportunities for Junior Primary to Secondary School students to connect with, learn from, and be inspired by a diverse group of artists through interactive workshops and performances.
Visit our website to discover the program of opportunities available online, in-schools, and at Adelaide Festival Centre.
International Symposium: Leadership in the Arts, Culture and Creative Industries
6 - 8 November 2024
Across the Asia-Pacific, arts, culture, and creative industries are rapidly evolving. Society, technology, participation, and financial support models significantly impact the sector, affecting educational and cultural institutions. This Symposium unites leaders from universities and arts institutions to share experiences, ideas, and strategies for addressing key challenges and opportunities. It explores crucial topics for those in influential positions and emerging leaders driving change through initiative, influence, and inspiration.
The Symposium will be held at Flinders University’s new City Campus, adjoining the Adelaide Festival Centre.
DRIVE, DINE AND UNWIND PACKAGE
DRIVE, DINE AND UNWIND PACKAGE
Transform your Adelaide visit into a memorable blend of luxury, relaxation, and exploration at InterContinental Adelaide. Situated a brief walk from key city attractions, our location allows you to easily discover all that Adelaide offers.
Transform your Adelaide visit into a memorable blend of luxury, relaxation, and exploration at InterContinental Adelaide. Situated a brief walk from key city attractions, our location allows you to easily discover all that Adelaide offers.
- Breakfast for two
- Breakfast for two
- Self-Parking
- Self-Parking
- Flexible cancellation
- Flexible cancellation
- $50 food and beverage dining credit Package inclusions
- $50 food and beverage dining credit Package inclusions
Scan the QR Code to learn more
Scan the QR Code to learn more
To book your stay, please contact our Reservations team
T: +61 8 8238 2400
To book your stay, please contact our Reservations team
E: reservations.adelaide@ihg.com
T: +61 8 8238 2400
E: reservations.adelaide@ihg.com
CRICOS NO.00114A
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How to Get Here
Pedestrian and vehicle access is open around Adelaide Festival Centre. Drop off locations are located on King William Road (Festival Theatre) and Festival Drive from Montefiore Road (Dunstan Playhouse, Space Theatre and Artspace). For more information, visit: adelaidefestivalcentre .com.au/your-visit
Access Services
At Adelaide Festival Centre venues, access facilities include a wheelchair loan service, assistive hearing systems, accessible toilets, accessible seat allocations, and access-friendly drop-off and pick-up locations. For more information, visit: adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/access
When booking tickets, please inform the operator if you have specific access requirements. For all other disability access enquiries, please contact Patron Services: contact@adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au or (08) 8216 8600
Conditions of Ticket Purchase
Lost or Stolen Tickets
For lost or stolen tickets, please contact Ticketek at help.ticketek.com.au or 131 246.
Concessions
Pensioners, seniors, patrons experiencing unemployment, and full-time students may be entitled to concession prices. Proof of entitlement may be requested at the time of purchase or at the venue. Please make sure you carry your concession cards.
Transaction Fees
A one-off, nonrefundable service and handling fee of $9.55 applies per transaction; this is regardless of the number or value of items purchased. For further information regarding fees, visit:
Parking
Parking is available around the riverbank precinct. For visits to the Festival Theatre, the closest car park is Festival Car Park (please be prepared for post-show congestion). For Dunstan Playhouse and Space Theatre, the nearest car park is Adelaide Convention Centre’s Riverbank car park. Both car parks are located on Festival Drive.
For parking, access routes and a map, visit: adelaidefestivalcentre.com.au/your-visit
Adelaide Festival Centre respects your privacy and meets government policy requirements. Ticket pricing on pages is indicative only. Concessions may apply. Eligibility of concessions will vary across events. Artist lineup subject to change without notice. Every effort has been made to ensure that performance dates, times, prices, and other information contained herein are correct at time of publication. Refer to adelaidefestival centre.com.au for full, updated information and terms and conditions.
With thanks to our OzAsia Festival ambassadors and all Adelaide Festival Centre staff whose work makes this festival possible.
OzAsia Festival is proud to celebrate Adelaide’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Music.
24OCT–10NOV
Adelaide Festival Centre is the heart of the arts in South Australia
Established in 1973 and located on Kaurna Yarta, Adelaide Festival Centre is Australia’s first capital city arts venue and hosts more than one million people annually.
As well as presenting theatre, dance, music, and exhibitions, Adelaide Festival Centre creates diverse festivals to inspire, challenge, educate, and entertain.
