Performance4a

The lack of diversity in casting of Australian television drama was in the news again after comments by actors Firass Dirani and Jay Laga'aia.  The notion that television producers subscribe to a "white Australia" policy certainly go the hackles up.  Performance 4a's Annette Shun Wah was commissioned to write an opinion piece for The Australian newspaper's Media section: Commercial TV drama blind to casting whiteout reality .

Parramasala, the Australian Festival of South Asian Arts, takes over Parramatta from 8 - 11 Nov.  Artists from all over the world will present an eclectic program of music, theatre, comedy, film and free outdoor events, all inspired by South Asia's rich artistic and cultural traditions. It opens with a spectacular Bollywood Block Party at Parramatta's Town Hall Square starring Kamahl. 

The Serpent's Table is a collaboration between Performance 4a and Griffin Theatre Company.  On 14 December, our Creative Development concluded at Carriageworks with a showing to potential presentation partners. The audience was treated to dishes by Pauline Nguyen (mistress of the Red Lantern restaurants) and celebrity chef Adam Liaw, completing the experience of their stories.  There were short performance excerpts from Darren Yap, Anna Yen and Jennifer Wong. The response was overwhelmingly positive, with the audience deeply moved and highly entertained.  We hope to develop the project to presentation stage in 2013.

Puppets and actors play alongside each other in The Wong Side of Life, a love story set in the future. The play is about resilience, covering social issues such as bullying, racism, social inequalities and cancer. Serious topics but through the use of puppets, it attempts to put across a powerful message in a non-threatening way. Aimed at 8 + to adults. Cast: Simon Brook McLachlan, Joy Hopwood, Aileen Huynh, Kathy Luu, Yanna Black and Ben Hanly. 10% of profits will be donated to the Cancer Council. One performance only – 25 Mar 7.30pm at Concourse Theatre Chatswood. Tickets $32.50/$25/$22.50. Book through Ticketek 132 849