THE National Ballet of China, Circa, AR Rahman… World class talent from Asia’s creative arts scene will launch the four-month long Asia Triennial of Performing Arts. Vondra Tay has your highlights from this can’t miss event early next year.
Dancing with Death at Asia TOPA early next year. | Photo: Nattapol Meechart
A first-of-its-kind festival in Melbourne celebrating Asian performing arts and culture will be launching in Melbourne early next year!
The Asia Triennial of Performing Arts (Asia TOPA) is a showcase of Asia’s rich diversity in the creative arts and aims to enhance our understanding of the Asia-Pacific relationship through various astounding art forms.
In putting together the event, Asia TOPA has assembled some premier world talent. Some of the major highlights from the Asia TOPA so far announced include:
- The Music of AR Rahman (composer of films such as Slumdog Millionaire, 127 Hours and countless Indian films)
- The Red Detachment of Women (the iconic production performed by the world-reknowned National Ballet of China who will be visiting Australia for the first time)
- One Beautiful Thing by Circa (arguably Australia’s leading arts company, Circa has teamed up with Indian mallkhamb artists for a theatrical circus show like no other)
- Aristophanes at XO State (Taiwanese rapper best known for her collaborations with American indie-pop artist Grimes)
- Tao Dance Theatre in ‘6’ and ‘8’ (acclaimed Chinese avant-garde performance art and choreography company)
National Ballet of China makes its way to Australia for the first time with its show, The Red Detachment of Women. | Image supplied.
While the major performances will be ticketed, there are also plenty of free events to consider too.
Other events around town such as the Asia Pop Courtyard at the Immigration Museum (where hit tunes from countries like Japan and South Korea will be banging every Friday in February) and After Shock (an artists’ talk where which discusses and reflects on the impact of the Fukushima nuclear crisis and how artists have responded to it) also offer ways for visitors to remain connected to the Asian arts.
Further events will be announced and added to the program with performances, shows and exhibitions hosted at an extraorindary number of venues such as the Australian Centre for Contemporary Art, Australian Centre for the Moving Image, Melbourne Recital Centre, National Gallery of Victoria, and the State Library Victoria.
A huge festival, this one is sure to satiate the fine tastes of creative thinkers and artisans interested in further exploring and engaging with the rich tapestry of arts found all across Asia.
For the full program and to purchase tickets early, visit Asia TOPA’s official website.