Asian Theatre Makers: Challenges, Funding & Opportunities
Funding, Identity and Creative Possibility — An Online Conversation with Asian Theatre Makers
Date
19 April 2026
Time
13:00-14:30 (BST)
20:00-21:30 (CST)
Format
Online Session
What you’ll gain
- Practical insights into applying for theatre funding
- A clearer understanding of common challenges and mistakes in funding applications
- New perspectives on how cross-cultural identity can inform and strengthen artistic practice
- Honest reflections on access, sustainability and opportunity in today’s theatre industry
In this online Talking session, we bring together two Asian theatre makers whose practices span acting, directing, writing, criticism, movement, and cross-cultural collaboration. Together, they will discuss the realities of building and sustaining a creative career in today’s theatre landscape.
This conversation will focus on three key themes: how to approach theatre funding with greater clarity and strategy, how cross-cultural identity can be transformed into a source of creative strength, and how questions of identity, resources, and opportunity continue to shape contemporary theatre practice. Through practical insights and personal reflection, the session offers a space for artists and practitioners to think critically about making work across cultures and within an evolving industry.
Guest Speakers
Jules Chan
Jules Chan graduated from Drama Centre London in 2019 and has since remained active across UK theatre and screen as an actor, writer, director, and movement practitioner. Most recently, he appeared as Chulak in The Firework-Maker’s Daughter, produced by Polka Theatre and adapted from Philip Pullman’s novel. The production was nominated for Best Family Show at the 2026 Olivier Awards and received a design award at the OffWestEnd Awards. Alongside his performance work, Jules has continued to develop his directing and movement practice, and currently collaborates with National Youth Theatre on youth projects and training programmes. He has also worked under the guidance of Liana Nyquist in actor movement training and one-to-one coaching, extending movement practice into rehearsal, character development, and performance-making.
Portia Yuran Li
Portia Yuran Li is the Founder and Artistic Director of London Theatre Company Roarrr Theatre. The Award Judge of 2026 IC Award in Edinburgh Fringe 2026.
Member of BAN (British Artist Network), LAH (London Art and Health Forum). Guest Director of Tall Stories Company.
Theatre Reviewer for Theatre, also theatre reviewer for Edinburgh Fringe 2026.
In 2025 Edinburgh Fringe, her directed produced show Here Comes Gudong has received the Keep It Fringe Award and Fund, also won the Best Family Show for Edinburgh Fringe Best Show Series 2025. As the first Asian production to win both the Best Show Series and Keep It Fringe.
Who is this session for?
This session is for theatre makers, performers, directors, writers, producers, and anyone interested in Asian theatre practice, cross-cultural creation, and professional development in contemporary performance.
Meeting Links
VooV Meeting (Tencent Meeting)
ShowTalk invites you to a VooV Meeting
Topic: Asian Theatre Makers: Challenges, Funding & Opportunities - ShowTalk
Time: 19 Apr 2026, 13:00-14:30 (GMT+01:00) UK Time
Time: 19 Apr 2026, 20:00-21:30 (GMT+08:00) Beijing Time
Join Link: https://voovmeeting.com/dm/zmVzm1y481gl
VooV Meeting ID: 544-056-834
Meeting Instructions:
1. The meeting may be recorded (audio and video).
2. Please mute your microphone and turn off your camera upon joining. Raise your hand to speak. Thank you for your cooperation.
Google Meet
19 April 13:00PM-14:30PM (UK Time)
Join Link: https://meet.google.com/qao-ysig-iwk
Meeting Instructions:
1. The meeting may be recorded (audio and video).
2. Please mute your microphone and turn off your camera upon joining. Raise your hand to speak. Thank you for your cooperation.
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