QPAC

Scenes From a Yellow Peril

Scenes From a Yellow Peril

3 - 12 Jul 2025
Cremorne Theatre
Buy Tickets
$45 *
* A transaction fee of $7.50 applies.
1 hour 25 minutes
no interval, subject to change without notice

An uncomfortably funny and eye-opening look at racism and privilege – because laughing and squirming can go hand in hand.

From award-winning Chinese-New Zealand writer and poet Nathan Joe, Scenes From a Yellow Peril is less a play and more of a punchy, poetic mixtape of insights that explores the painful ways people are othered, yet refusing to be silenced.

Performed and created by a fresh, fearless ensemble of upcoming Queensland talent, the two-time QLD Matilda Award-winning production (Best Independent Production and Best Ensemble, 2024) offers a razor-sharp, at times darkly funny look at what it means to be of Asian identity in our current political reality; both here and in Aotearoa. 

  • It brought me joy and sadness in equal measure and I have no doubt Joe’s words – and the thoughts they prompted – will stay with me.
    The Saturday Paper
  • It’s a work of art that says – and often shouts – the quiet parts out loud.
    The Saturday Paper
  • Heartbreakingly personal, gloriously queer, furiously political and unexpectedly funny, Nathan Joe’s writing is devastatingly acute in its observation of the East-Asian New Zealand experience. I invite you to listen to Nathan; his is a vital voice we need to hear.
    Jonathan Bielski
  • It brought me joy and sadness in equal measure and I have no doubt Joe’s words – and the thoughts they prompted – will stay with me.
    The Saturday Paper
  • It’s a work of art that says – and often shouts – the quiet parts out loud.
    The Saturday Paper
  • Heartbreakingly personal, gloriously queer, furiously political and unexpectedly funny, Nathan Joe’s writing is devastatingly acute in its observation of the East-Asian New Zealand experience. I invite you to listen to Nathan; his is a vital voice we need to hear.
    Jonathan Bielski
  • It brought me joy and sadness in equal measure and I have no doubt Joe’s words – and the thoughts they prompted – will stay with me.
    The Saturday Paper

Important Information

Warning

This production contains frequent coarse language, sexual references, depictions of violence, and discrimination and racism. It also contains the use of theatrical haze, dynamic sound including simulated gun shot sounds, strobe lighting and lighting blackouts. 

Age Recommendation

Recommended for ages 15+.

Celebrate 40 Years of QPAC and Win!

Purchase a ticket at QPAC in 2025 and go in the draw to win a Hyundai TUCSON Hybrid, thanks to Hyundai – proud Principal Partner of QPAC.

To enter the competition, submit an entry form via the QPAC 40 Giveaway competition page. Terms and conditions apply.

Special Events

BIPOC Community Night

Join us 3 July for our BIPOC – Black, Indigenous, and people of colour – Community Night; a night for those having experienced or been witness to racism to stand together in hope and unanimity.

Presented by QPAC

The Reaction Theory production of Scenes From a Yellow Peril has received majority of support from BIPOC Arts Australia and development assistance from the Wallace Foundation and the Playmarket Playfellows Programme. By arrangement with Playmarket, it premiered as part of Queensland Theatre’s DOOR 3 initiative.

Gallery

  • Scenes From a Yellow Peril Nathaniel Knight
  • Scenes From a Yellow Peril Nathaniel Knight
  • Scenes From a Yellow Peril Nathaniel Knight
  • Scenes From a Yellow Peril Nathaniel Knight
  • Scenes From a Yellow Peril Nathaniel Knight
  • Scenes From a Yellow Peril Nathaniel Knight
  • Scenes From a Yellow Peril Nathaniel Knight
  • Scenes From a Yellow Peril Nathaniel Knight
  • Scenes From a Yellow Peril Nathaniel Knight
  • Scenes From a Yellow Peril Nathaniel Knight
  • Scenes From a Yellow Peril Nathaniel Knight
  • Scenes From a Yellow Peril Nathaniel Knight
  • Scenes From a Yellow Peril Nathaniel Knight
  • Scenes From a Yellow Peril Nathaniel Knight
  • Scenes From a Yellow Peril Nathaniel Knight
  • Scenes From a Yellow Peril Nathaniel Knight
  • Scenes From a Yellow Peril Nathaniel Knight
  • Scenes From a Yellow Peril Nathaniel Knight

Cast & Creatives

  • Cast Daphne Chen, Chris Nguyen, Peter Wood, Jazz Zhao
  • Playwright Nathan Joe
  • Co-Director and Producer Chelsea August
  • Co-Director and Producer Egan Sun-Bin
  • Associate Producer Jess Bunz
  • Set Designer Alex Riley
  • Costume Designer Frances Foo
  • Sound Designer Emma Burchell
  • Lighting Designer Briana Clark
  • Video Designer Imperfect Creatives
  • Stage and Production Manager Petria Leong
  • Cultural Safety Consultant Katrina Irawati Graham

Accessibility

For wheelchair users, Companion Card holders or those requiring assistance, dedicated seating options are available, and bookings can be made through our Call Centre by giving us a call on 136 246. You can also find information on access and accessibility at QPAC here.

To book the below accessibility enhanced performances please call QPAC Group Sales on 07 3840 7466 or email groups@qpac.com.au. You can find a full list of accessibility enhanced performances including Audio-Described / Auslan Interpreted / Captioned / Relaxed / Tactile tours here.

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