# Xueqian (Chien) Zhang: Bamboo and Shamrock – When China Meets Ireland

**Interview** — On Your Markus  
**Published:** 4 March 2026  
**Author:** Markus Hamence  
**Source:** https://onyourmarkus.au/interview/xueqian-chien-zhang-bamboo-and-shamrock-when-china-meets-ireland/

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INTERVIEW: Markus Hamence is in The Jungle Room with Xueqian (Chien) Zhang for the 2026 Adelaide Fringe show she has on ‘Bamboo and Shamrock – When China Meets Ireland’

[Watch on YouTube](https://www.youtube.com/embed/PvjGwCsRbzQ)

![Promotional graphic for "Bamboo and Shamrock: When China Meets Ireland" featuring stylised imagery and event text overlay.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/38744/641420238_884844221012548_5572782298121196818_n.jpg)

![Woman speaking into microphone at event with colourful illustrated backdrop behind her.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/38747/467152125_18470209411017693_4779282524706750932_n.jpg)

A trip to Ireland inspired Adelaide-based Chinese Australian singer-songwriter and storyteller Xueqian (Chien) Zhang to create this brand-new cross-cultural cabaret, exploring the differences and connections between Chinese and Irish cultures.

Blending live music, storytelling, poetry, folklore, language, and spoken word, it also incorporates traditional elements, including tea ceremony, folk dance, and Chinese calligraphy.

Xueqian (Chien) leads an ensemble of musicians – David Dai, Jack Brennan, and Keith Preston – blending traditional instruments from both cultures with contemporary sounds in an engaging and heartfelt dialogue.

**Bamboo and Shamrock – When China Meets Ireland**  
Thursday 12 March – Friday 20 March 2026  
Nexus Arts Venue  
**[Tickets](https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/bamboo-and-shamrock-when-china-meets-ireland-af2026)**

**[Follow Xueqian (Chien) Zhang on Facebook](https://www.facebook.com/qiansvoice/)**

**[Follow Xueqian (Chien) Zhang on Instagram](https://www.instagram.com/qiansvoice/)**

![Woman speaking into microphone at festival event with pink backdrop.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/38749/467340419_535635869266720_5658740091384905939_n-1.jpg)

![Woman in lavender cardigan singing at microphone against blue curtain backdrop.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/38746/527280651_18520077850017693_4923865915010833218_n.jpg)

![Detailed mural artwork featuring Asian landscape with figures, white spiral motifs, and vibrant red and green accents on grey background.](https://media.onyourmarkus.au/originals/38745/user_crop_IMG_7117-1.jpg)