Cross Encounters is the first independent non-profit performing arts organisation in Melbourne with a particular focus on the exchange and communication between Chinese and Australian theatre, particularly physical theatre. Our activities are created by a small, passionate group under the guidance of a board of directors, made up of professionals from inside and outside the performing arts industry. Our members trained professional artists and awards credit, with the majority of them from Melbourne, RMIT and Monash University backgrounds, and work at the cutting edge of innovative cross-cultural performance-making.  

Development Path

  • 2020
    Created and performed the first ever physical theatre piece combining Chinese and Australian performers under a Chinese director globally via live streaming

  • 2021 
    Created and performed “Nirvana”, the first ever Guitar and guzheng combined performance in Australian physical theatre, performed at La Mama festival
    Received the Multicultural Excellence Award for the Arts in the state of Victoria

  • 2022
    Nominated for the Melbourne Awards Arts and Events Award
    Embarking on performing tours across the state of Victoria

  • 2023
    Launched Melbourne’s First Physical Theatre Open Social Forum (PTOSF)
  • Engaged by the Australian Council of the arts to facilitate Chinese-Australian performing arts industry masters to collaborate at Australian Performing Arts Market(APAM)
  • Began the development of first short film about Chinese-Australian theatre makers, and started using its media channels to incorporate live streaming and filming in performances
  • Premiered the first ever Chinese Opera physical theatre piece to be presented in Australia
  • Planned and delivered Melbourne’s first Asian Australian Drama Music Festival(AADMF) with the support of Victoria State Government

  • 2024
    Supported by the city of Yarra, presented Chinese New Year celebration event with innovative feature-Musical Dumplings Feast(MDF)
  • Delivered special event ‘A Letter to Mum’ on Mother’s day and launched the continuing innovative online relay movement – ‘Expressions of Love’ 
  • Ongoing participation in 2024 Australian Performing Arts Market(APAM) and the World Expo 2025 Osaka Cultural Program
  • Wake Her Up – Melbourne’s first East-West modern fairy tale with a twist of love story and super heroism is receiving international awards
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  • 2025
  • Wake Her Up – stage production and web series are on the way
  • Asian Australian International Art Forum 2025 is on the way