Longhouse: Independent Theatre
11 August 2025 6:00PM Old Fitz, 129 Dowling St, NSW, Australia.
Contemporary Asian Australian Performance’s Longhouse, presented with the Old Fitz, asks: how do we build an indie theatre scene that is sustainable and safe for artists? Join CAAP Artistic Director Tessa Leong in conversation with Nicole Pingon, Janine Lau and Zainab Syed. Stick around after for hot chips and chats, because in true indie fashion, sometimes a hot chip is dinner.
Sydney's independent theatre scene looks very different to five years ago. There's been a surge in ambitious productions, bigger teams and new voices shaping what we see on stage. Asian Australian led projects and independent makers are among those driving this change, and that's something to celebrate.
But with growth comes pressure. Artists juggle multiple roles, often without funding or support. For those carrying cultural responsibility, the expectations can feel even higher. As projects grow, so do the demands on those making the work.
How do we create cultural safety and hold space for different generations, perspectives and levels of experience, all while trying to get the show up?
This Longhouse, presented with the Old Fitz, asks how we build an indie theatre scene that is sustainable and safe for artists. Join CAAP Artistic Director Tessa Leong with panellists Nicole Pingon, Janine Lau and Zainab Syed for the conversation. Stick around after for hot chips and chats, because in true indie style, sometimes a hot chip is dinner.