After its online offering in 2020, OzAsia Festival returns IRL in 2021 with yet another diverse programme celebrating Asian Australian talent and featuring 300 artists, 100 performances, 11 world premiere and 2 Australian premieres.
Set to showcase everything from theatre, music, dance and comedy, to film, literature and visual art at the Adelaide Festival Centre 21 October to 7 November, the 2021 OzAsia Festival marks the first full-scale OzAsia Festival to be delivered under the leadership of its new Artistic Director, Annette Shun Wah.
"OzAsia Festival 2021 takes place at a critical moment for Australia's engagement with Asia, and there's no better time to ensure the people who best embody that connection – Australians of Asian background – lead the conversation," Annette says.
"This year's distinctive and forward-looking programme presents a wealth of exceptional talent and exciting new voices. I invite audiences to enjoy exploring the many treats we have in store, and I can't wait to see you all in October."
Highlights of the 30 ticketed and free events include the world premiere performances of 'The Demon' by award-winning novelist Michael Mohammed Ahmad, who will debut his talents as a playwright at OzAsia Festival 2021.
Internationally renowned martial arts performer Maria Tran will present her new theatre work 'Action Star', and choreographer/ dancer Alison Currie and award-winning Japanese soloist Yui Kawaguchi will perform in their first collaboration together for 'Somewhere, Everywhere, Nowhere'.
Indonesian-Australian artist Jumaadi is reinvigorating the ancient art of shadow play for 'Perahu-Perahu', while 'The Long Walk' will see boundary-pushing choreographer/ filmmaker Sue Healey combine dance and drone footage for a livestream from the rugged yet beautiful coastline of Robe, South Australia.
The Long Walk - image © Wendell Teodoro
Adelaide audiences will also be the first to enjoy 'When' by seasoned OzAsia Festival performer Mindy Meng Wang, who will combine film and live music to share emotional stories of life during lockdown.
Storytellers will be the focus of two unique experiences at this year's festival. 'Double Delicious' will see a stellar cast including renowned author Benjamin Law and celebrity chef Elizabeth Chong reveal the secrets of dishes significant to their lives, while 'Open Homes' immerses audiences in the personal and moving accounts of everyday people who have chosen to call Adelaide home.
"I am delighted to see the return of this unique festival which has, over the years, been embraced by so many Australians and friends in the Asia Pacific region," the Honourable Steven Marshall MP, Premier of South Australia, says.
"By showcasing the best of contemporary art experiences from Asia and fostering positive relationships between Australia and its neighbouring countries, OzAsia Festival provides major opportunities for artists to play their part in connecting people and communities.
When
"The Government of South Australia is proud to support OzAsia Festival 2021, and I congratulate Adelaide Festival Centre, Annette Shun Wah, and everyone involved in making it possible."
Her Majesty's Theatre will house performances from 'Ahimsa: Meditations On Gandhi', a heartfelt tribute celebrating the 150th anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi's birth, and 'Hand To Earth' with Yolngu songman Daniel Wilfred, Korean jazz vocalist Sunny Kim and the Australian Art Orchestra.
Acclaimed pianist Belle Chen will present the Australian premiere of 'Destinations', while The Special Comedy Comedy Special features some of this country's leading Asian Australian comedians.
Dance theatre work 'Two' will explore the interdisciplinary relationship between contemporary dancer Raghav Handa and maestro tabla musician Maharshi Raval, while Sydney Theatre Company and Riverside's National Theatre of Parramatta present Anchuli Felicia King's 'White Pearl' – a blisteringly funny satire about a skincare company whose new TV commercial goes viral for all the wrong reasons.
White Pearl
Foodies favourite Lucky Dumpling Market will return to Elder Park, and the ever-popular Moon Lantern Parade is evolving from a one-night event to span four days of free family experiences across the festival’s opening weekend.
Nexus Arts will host Pinoy St Party, a night of street food and entertainment led by Filipino musician Kuya James, along with 'Playlist' by progressive independent acts Rainbow Chan, Corin, Mindy Meng Wang and Sui Zhen.
Adelaide Festival Centre Artistic Director & CEO Douglas Gautier AM says: "As Australia's leading contemporary arts festival fostering cultural engagement between Australia and Asia, OzAsia Festival is an important celebration of diversity within Australia and artistic excellence.
Somewhere, Everywhere, Nowhere
"Artistic Director Annette Shun Wah is our country's most prominent and respected advocate for Asian Australian artists and their work, and this certainly shines through in the exciting programme she has delivered.
"I look forward to welcoming you all to Adelaide Festival Centre for this spectacular showcase of contemporary Asian Australian performance at its finest."
2021 OzAsia Festival takes place 21 October to 7 November. Tickets on sale. More information.
