IAC Art Talks 2026 #1: Making Change on Our Stages: Contemporary Asian Australian Performance by Tessa Leong

Date: Wednesday 12 August 2026

Time: 5:00pm – 6:00pm (Sydney time)

Zoom webinar

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Abstract

Contemporary Asian Australian Performance (CAAP) is Australia’s only performing arts company with a remit for producing, developing and enabling Asian Australian works and artists to reach main stages nationally. Through highly valued productions and initiatives, CAAP is regarded as a crucial leader and catalyst in the ongoing shift to greater cultural diversity and inclusiveness in the arts. We provide the scaffolding for Asian Australian artists to thrive in a more equitable and representative industry.

In all that we do, we work to transform the Australian theatre landscape. In this talk, Artistic Director Tessa Leong will track the evolution of the company, detail case studies of work during her time at CAAP and give an update on what’s next amidst the changes and challenges of our present moment.

About the Speaker

Tessa Leong (she/her) is the Artistic Director of Contemporary Asian Australian Performance. She is a theatre director, dramaturg and collaborator who has worked extensively across theatre, performance, dance theatre, live art and socially engaged projects. Her love of new work has led to collaborations with artists and companies across Australia, Europe and North America. She was Griffin Theatre Company’s inaugural Associate Artistic Director from 2020 until 2022 and is a founding member of Adelaide-based theatre company isthisyours?. She most recently worked with Rainbow Chan on The Bridal Lament for the Liveworks and Oz Asia festivals and will remount Merlynn Tong’s Golden Blood for Sydney Theatre Company and Melbourne Theatre Company in their 2024 seasons.