Three Key Reasons Why Cross Encounters Matters

In recent years, Cross Encounters, an independent non-profit performing arts organization, has garnered widespread acclaim. Its latest production, Wake Her Up, has won multiple awards at international film festivals, and the organization appears to be exerting a distinctive influence on society. But why do we need it, and how is it shaping the world? Here are three crucial reasons:

1. A Bridge Between Cultures

Founded by acclaimed Chinese-Australian actress Olivia Wang（Chinese name王欧）, Cross Encounters（Chinese name X戏界）is the first and only fully accredited Chinese-Australian intercultural performing arts organization based in Melbourne. Under Wang's leadership, the organization is dedicated to producing innovative intercultural works across theatre, stage, and screen. By blending Eastern aesthetics with Western contexts, and drawing on diverse artistic traditions and cultural elements, Cross Encounters creates emotionally resonant and truly unique performances.

Beyond its original productions, the organization also hosts a variety of intercultural arts, theatre, and performance events across different regions. These initiatives foster connections among multicultural arts communities, cultural institutions, educational bodies, and government organizations—bringing the power and beauty of intercultural expression to wider audiences.

This bold artistic exploration, combined with a fresh East-meets-West perspective, has earned Cross Encounters numerous accolades for its contributions to multicultural representation. In 2021, they were the recipient of Victorian Multicultural Award for Excellence in Arts. They also organize forums include cross-cultural performing art programmes, events, tours, linkages and projects, as well as presentations, workshops and seminars. In 2023, the organization was invited by the Australian Council for the Arts to participate in the Australian Performing Arts Market. There, it collaborated with global arts institutions, troupes, and official representatives—breaking through cultural and international barriers. In addition, more than 80 emerging artists in front of and behind the scenes have participated in performing arts through their activities, this group is connecting the diverse cultures behind these talents and showcasing them to the world.

Cross Encounters has been widely featured by prominent media outlets including SBS, Xinhua News Agency, and Australian Arts Review. It is regarded as a trailblazer in facilitating dialogue between Eastern and Western performing arts, and as a vital, invisible bridge between cultures. In promoting sustained intercultural exchange and understanding between Asia and Australia, Cross Encounters plays an indispensable and ever-deepening role.

2. A Conduit for Artistic Connection

Since its founding, Olivia Wang and her team at Cross Encounters have created numerous experimental and avant-garde intercultural productions, continuously pushing creative boundaries in pursuit of groundbreaking work. Most notably, the organization has become a pioneer of contemporary physical theatre between Asia and Australia, and remains the first and only creative force of its kind in Australia.

Through this emotionally charged and visceral form of expression, Cross Encounters forges powerful connections between art and the public, offering both strength and inspiration. During the memorial performance marking the rebuilding of La Mama Theatre after a devastating fire, the company presented a physical theatre piece titled Nirvana, a moving tribute to resilience and hope for those emerging from loss and darkness.

Cross Encounters connects far more than just audiences. Its artistic endeavors have brought together artists across national and disciplinary boundaries, facilitating meaningful collaborations and exchanges across diverse cultural contexts. These performances have been staged in various regions and have opened doors for emerging talents to showcase their work. Gradually and organically, Cross Encounters has evolved into a vital bond—between artists and the public, and between artists themselves. Through the power of creative collaboration, it injects new energy into the arts and delivers works that deeply resonate with contemporary audiences.

3. A Beacon of Feminine Awakening

Finally, one cannot overlook Cross Encounters' remarkable contributions to the discourse on gender awareness. Comprised primarily of a team of outstanding women, the organization's works are noted for bold storytelling and emotional depth. There is no doubt that this reflects the rise of female power. Isn't this also a challenge to deep-rooted gender norms?

One standout example is the recent fantasy short film Wake Her Up, directed by an all-female creative team. The film has garnered multiple international awards, including several for Best Actress, and weaves the theme of "female awakening" into its very core. It offers a rare portrayal of the inner psychological states of Eastern women within a Western narrative framework, which too often overlooked. Through its story, the film encourages women to draw strength from within, to grow, and to find redemption through learning to love themselves. This subverts the stereotype.

Through each of its productions, Cross Encounters illuminates the artistic power of Asian women, affirming their unique voice in global cultural conversations. Under the leadership of Olivia Wang and her team, the organization amplifying diverse voices, cultivating empathy, and guiding more women toward their artistic and personal futures. It has become a beacon of awakening female thinking and narrative transformation.

Clearly, Cross Encounters, as an independent intercultural performing arts organization, continues to dismantle boundaries of culture, art, and gender. It responds to contemporary societal needs with artistic authenticity. Its significance lies not only in connecting cultures, but in awakening a shared yearning for empathy, expression, and identity. In today's world of pluralistic coexistence, its presence is not just relevant—it is indispensable. Therefore, outstanding multicultural organizations such as Cross Encounters deserve to be recognized, and the world needs more distinct voices of diversity.