This lecture will be given via Zoom Webinar. Please book on this page and we will email you the live link 24 hours before the event.

British East Asian and Southeast Asian theatre and performance are perhaps less well-known than theatre and performance created by British South Asian companies and artists.  How are British East Asia and Southeast Asia represented by theatre-makers?  So, how has Asia been represented on the contemporary British stage? Increasingly more plays about Asians and on Asian themes have been produced at the National Theatre, the Arcola, the Royal Shakespeare Company, the Royal Court and more.  There are a wealth of stories, histories and voices that are yet to be explored and told. Theatre artists Kumiko Mendl and Kwong Loke join us in conversation.

Kumiko Mendl trained at the Jacques Lecoq International Theatre School in Paris. She is a founder-member of Yellow Earth Theatre Company (now New Earth Theatre), which celebrated its 25th anniversary in 2020. Yellow Earth’s work includes Asian-themed work as well as new versions of European classics such as Miss Julie. Kumiko Mendl is Artistic Director of New Earth, whose work encompasses performance, community engagement and professional development for emerging actors.

Kwong Loke trained at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama and is an actor and director.  He was a founder-member of Yellow Earth Theatre Company and of Stone Crabs Theatre, focusing on intercultural performance. Kwong Loke has appeared in The Great Wave (National Theatre), and Pah-La (Royal Court).  He teaches acting and directing in London, Hong Kong and Tokyo, as well as directing at drama conservatories.