Cross Encounters is the first independent non-profit performing arts 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. The 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. The majority of our members are professional trained emerging artists and awards credit, and with Melbourne, RMIT and Monash University background, and work at the cutting edge of innovative cross-cultural performance-making.  

The company is Melbourne’s first and currently only independent NFP and DGR certified Chinese-Australian performing arts organisation.

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 
    Create and perform “Nirvana” the FIRST ever Guitar and guzheng combined performance into the Australian physical theatre performing art in 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 help Chinese-Australian performing arts industry masters to collaborate at 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
  • The first ever Chinese Opera physical theatre piece to be presented in Australia success debut
  • Succefully 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, Chinese New Year celebration event with innovative feature-Musical Dumplings Feast is on the way

Current Staff

Head of the organisation: Olivia Wang
Resident director: Noah Zhao Wang
Stage manager&production design: Zena Wang
Marketing&Communications Coordinator: Tia Han
Fundrasier: William White
Designer&Technical Support: Genevieve Byrne