Brilliant musicians, engaging conversations, hilarious comedians, delicious cuisine and astounding visual arts – it's all part of Adelaide's OzAsia Festival, taking place this October-November.
The dynamic 2024 programme features more than 300 local, national and international artists from 12 countries. It also includes 7 world premieres, 4 Australian premieres and 9 Adelaide premieres. It will celebrate and showcase the best of Asian and Asian Australian art and culture.
The Moon Lantern Trail will see more than a dozen giant lanterns illuminating Tarntanya/Wama/Pinky Flat. This free, family-friendly event features performances, giant puppets, interactive workshops and delectable food.
Another returning fan favourite is 'AnimeGO!', a celebration of Japanese pop culture, taking over Festival Theatre foyer for one day only.
“This spring, we’re thrilled to host some of Asia and Australia’s most acclaimed artists,” Artistic/Executive Producer Joon-Yee Kwok says. “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 at OzAsia Festival.”
After an extended, sold-out season in Singapore, Adelaide will now celebrate 'Por Por's Big Fat Surprise Wedding', starring 'Crazy Rich Asians' star Koh Chieng Mun as the spirited, 70-year-old Por Por (whose groom is a mystery to everyone, including her own family).
'A Passage To Bollywood' is your chance to experience the romance, action and melodrama of a big Bollywood film live on stage. It's an Australian premiere featuring breathtaking dance routines blending classical with contemporary to celebrate the vibrancy and magic of India.
Swifties will love 'The Errors Tour' presented by Tik Tok superstar Taylor Sheesh, featuring stunning choreography, dazzling outfit reveals and a meet & greet after each show.
Chisato Minamimura brings an Australian exclusive to OzAsia with 'Scored In Silence'. . . Unveiling the hidden perspective of deaf survivors of the 1945 atomic bombs in Japan.
“The first festival of its kind in the nation, OzAsia Festival is proud to engage with Asian and Asian Australian arts, culture and ideas through all art forms,” Adelaide Festival Centre CEO & Artistic Director Douglas Gautier AM says. “In its seventeenth year, Joon’s programme is a continuation of our rich tradition, demonstrating the power that the arts have to connect, inspire and delight us.”
For a bit of laughs, there's 'The Special Comedy Comedy Special', bringing together a bill of hilarious Asian Australian comedians, and hosted by Jason Chong. Featuring Dilruk Jayasinha, Harry Jun, Jennifer Wong, Kushi Venkatesh, Lawrence Leung, Lizzy Hoo, Sashi Perera, Takashi Wakasugi and Urvi Majumdar. Plus, award-winning Australian comedian, artist and author Anh Do performs 'The Happiest Refugee'.
For families, 'The Story Of Chi' is a captivating, coming-of-age tale, exploring the bonds uniting us across generations, through theatre, puppets and shadow puppetry.
An OzAsia favourite, Lucky Dumpling Market, makes its return to Elder Park, serving up cuisine from the best local vendors, accompanied by free live entertainment on the OzAsia Festival stage.
As things wrap up, audiences can enjoy thought-provoking panels and inspiring conversations at 'OzAsia Festival's Weekend Of Words', gathering Asian and Asian Australian writers and thinkers with a line-up including Benjamin Law, Vajra Chandrasekera, Shelley Parker-Chan, Sara M. Saleh, Lawrence Leung, Louisa Lim, Qin Qin and more.
Tickets are on sale now. Check out the full programme.
OzAsia Festival 2024 runs from 24 October-10 November.
