In Between Two sees two cultures, two generations and two charismatic wordsmiths mix it up at a singular event, deftly weaving the stories and photographs of their diverse heritages with music.

Chinese-Australian MC and spoken word artist Joelistics (TZU) and Filipino-Dutch-Australian producer/songwriter James Mangohig (Sietta) take centre stage, combining spirited, personal storytelling with a rich, original soundtrack of acoustic and electronic music.

And what stories! Joel's grandparents Charlie and Edith Ma were well known in Sydney's Chinatown from the war years. Charlie had a fruit and veg business, while Edith was a partner in Australia's premier nightclub Chequers. Events behind the scenes, including a fatal shooting, dramatically affected the family's destiny. James' family story couldn't be more different. His father Norman grew up in a poor rural village in the southern Philippines, and trained to become a preacher in Manila. But first, there was the small matter of wooing his pen pal in faraway South Australia, not just with letters but also with recordings of his sermons. 

Is it any wonder that when Joel and James found themselves touring together in the hip hop band TZU, they would immediately form a solid friendship, bonding over their extraordinary family stories and their own tales of rebellion growing up against the backdrop of the Howard Government, Pauline Hanson and the Cronulla riots.

Directed by Suzanne Chaundy, stage design by Eugyeene Teh and visual design by Jean Poole, developed with master storyteller William Yang and writer Annette Shun Wah, In Between Two is a vibrant, contemporary portrayal of the Asian-Australian experience. 

Tickets: $35