Theatre Kwong was first conceptualised in 1999 when director Simon Yam returned to Perth, Australia, to pursue his Doctor of Philosophy in Theatre and Drama Studies with Murdoch University. Whist actively involving Theatre Kwong as guest contributions in various productions between 1999 and 2005 as a director, choreographer, actor and designer, Simon has not had a chance to formally establish Theatre Kwong as a theatre company until 2005.

Theatre Kwong is unique from other Australian theatres because it not only promotes Asian forms of theatre (specifically Singapore theatre), but also allows local Australians to delve into its vibrancy, intricacy and beauty. The company gains its inspiration from the multicultural societies in Australia, tapping into the talents of diverse Australian and international students, encouraging collaborative artistic experimentations and re-creating performances with an Asian slant. It provides a space for the following intentions:

• To promote Asian theatre, playwrights and productions
• To investigate possibilities of cross-cultural learning through theatre, whereby local Australian artistes (of all cultural backgrounds) may better understand Asian theatre, and re-present it in their own unique way and style
• To generate community interest in Australia with Asian Theatre
• To run drama workshops on the exploration of the various facets of Asian theatre (this includes language, theme, issues and form)

Theatre Kwong seeks not only to promote commercial forms of Asian productions, but also experimental forms of performance based on careful research and experimentation. The superimposition of both Asian and Anglo-Saxon faces on Asian repertory, interpreted by artists using diverse and truly universal references to serve the text very faithfully, reflects and emphasises the kinship among disparate cultures. We affirm timeless values and new insights about old works can come from unexpected faces. It is a performance arena that re-represents the various perspectives it can have from different points of view. Social, cultural, political and emotional issues can stretch across the geographical board, and by showing these uniting bonds; it elevates community concepts beyond stereotypes.

Theatre Kwong strives to produce at least two performances a year. The current seasons are :

• December to May (Summer – Autumn Season)
• June to November (Winter – Spring Season)