An incredibly moving and powerful addition to this year’s OzAsia Festival line up
Presented by: William Yang and OzAsia Festival
Reviewed: 31 October, 2025
A photograph captures an exact moment in time. For those who attended Milestone at the Adelaide Town Hall on Friday 31th October, that magical performance will be captured in their hearts and minds.
Milestone is the autobiographical performance piece by legendary photographer William Yang. In this moving performance, we see William backed by a chamber orchestra, pouring his heart and soul out as he recounts key moments of his life that helped shape the person he is today.
This brilliant and moving performance sees William talk about his Asian parents and their desire to assimilate into the Australian way, his acceptance of his cultural background and his sexuality. At the core of Milestone is the strong bond that family brings. Whether it’s your natural family, or the family you build with friends or partners, this sense of belonging was prevalent throughout the performance.
William’s storytelling is entrancing. His quiet and calm voice pulls the audience right into his storytelling. His pace is excellent, allowing the audience to hang on his every word. William’s photography was also displayed on a screen above the stage. His photographs accompanied his stories adding an extra element to his powerful life story.
Accompanying William throughout Milestone was the incredible Ensemble Lumen, under the baton of Luke Dollman. Featured on piano was the wonderful Elena Kats-Chernin who also composed the specially commissioned score. Elena’s music was sublime. The score moved through multiple styles to suit William’s story, from playful motives throughout his childhood, to aggravated and frustrated tones when talking about hardship. Ensemble Lumen, whilst a small chamber orchestra of ten, produced an incredibly rich sound.
The 100 minute performance did not feel as long as it ran for and this is due to William’s wonderful way of captivating his audience. At 80 years old, he brings such a joyful and youthful energy to the stage.
Milestone, whilst it was William’s life story, also made you reflect on your own values in your life. An incredibly moving and powerful addition to this year’s OzAsia Festival line up.
Reviewed by Ben Stefanoff
Photo credit: George Gittoes
Venue: Adelaide Town Hall
Season: Ended
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