Sydney Theatre Company and Griffin Theatre Company reshape Australian theatre with works by Asian Australian women

Merlynn Tong (pictured right, with director Tessa Leong) is the writer of one of four plays by Asian Australian women that will premiere at Australia's major theatre companies this year. (ABC Arts: Anna Kucera)

When Merlynn Tong was growing up in Singapore she was fascinated by Australia.

She recalls the images she saw in advertisements – of the ocean, kangaroos and Sydney Opera House.