Asia Topa 2025

Every three years, Asia Topa brings to Melbourne the best arts, culture and ideas from around the Asia-Pacific region. After a five-year hiatus, the beloved festival returns in 2025 with three weeks of exciting new works across dance, theatre, music, visual art, nightlife and more.

The program – anchored by the dynamic Performance stream – kicks off at Hamer Hall on February 20 with Milestone, a landmark new commission by pioneering artist William Yang. At 82 years old, Yang reflects on his epic career documenting arts and social change through an ambitious and highly personal series of photographs and stories – scored live by the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, performing a composition by internationally renowned Australian composer Elena Kats-Chernin.

Other festival highlights include KAGAMI, a profoundly moving performance created by the late Japanese composer Ryuichi Sakamoto with mixed reality pioneers Tin Drum; the world premiere of Chunky Move’s otherworldly performance U>N>I>T>E>D, in collaboration with Javanese techno experimenters Gabber Modus Operandi, Bali-based streetwear label Future Laundry and animatronic design experts Creature Technology Co; and the genre-bending pop-up nightclub Club 8, at Arts Centre Melbourne.

First Nations voices are showcased in Ane Ta Abia, a stunning concert and film event featuring the Australian Art Orchestra and Papua New Guinea’s Tatana Village choir, as well as Gapu Ngupan (Chasing the Rainbow), a singular cross-cultural performance combining Yolngu songlines from North East Arnhem Land with Paiwan and Amis storytelling from Taiwan.

The Knowledge program hands the mic to a range of artists to share new skills and connect with community through Q&As, workshops and activities. Other participatory events include Home Bound, which brings together craft specialists, community groups and the general public to weave a colossal rope installation over 15 days. And this year’s new Nightlife program offers club nights, gatherings and specially curated after-dark events like the INAMO Kiki Ball, celebrating the rich ballroom scenes of the region.

Explore the full Asia Topa program and book your tickets online.

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