Detention
By Tristan Bancks
Adapted for the stage by Callan Purcell and Kobra Sayyadi
Original concept by Callan Purcell
A compelling new theatre production igniting conversation, change and truth-telling, brought to the stage by the team at Monkey Baa Theatre Company.
Photo by Prazis Images
ABOUT THE SHOW
Detention tells the compelling tale of two young people from disparate worlds finding each other amidst a figurative minefield: Sima, a Hazara refugee fleeing a detention centre when her visa has been rejected, and Dan, a marginalised boy raised in a caravan park in regional Australia. Their shared quest for a sense of home and safety binds them together.
Based on the novel by Tristan Bancks, this production explores the refugee experience, centering on themes of displacement, belonging, and shared humanity. Developed in collaboration with Hazara artists and young people, Detention seeks to ignite conversations, using theatre as a catalyst for truth-telling and change.
Commissioned by Monkey Baa, co-written by Callan Purcell and Kobra Sayyadi, directed by Randa Sayed, and created in collaboration with the Hazara community - ‘Detention’ is an edge-of-your seat theatrical experience.
Detention is a testament to the power of storytelling in theatre for young audiences; championing radical empathy, imagination and compassion.
– Callan Purcell –
ABOUT MONKEY BAA THEATRE COMPANY
Monkey Baa creates great theatre for young people and for over 26 years they have presented award-winning theatrical experiences that inspire and empower audiences across Australia. They are one of Australia's widest touring companies, with over 29 national tours to 135 regional and remote communities, 5 international tours and 4,000 performances reaching more than 1.5 million young people.
Monkey Baa empower young people to shape their lives through inspiring theatre and creative experiences. They create, present and tour performances powered by imagination, with eye-opening ideas and boundless fun.
The company vision is a world where all young people are emboldened by creativity and our mission is to empower young people to shape and navigate their lives through inspirational theatre and creative experiences. To learn more, visit monkeybaa.com.au
Touring
Touring 2025
CREDITS
Adaptors Callan Purcell and Kobra Sayyadi
Original Concept Callan Purcell
Director Randa Sayed
Composer / Sound Designer James Brown
If you are interested in touring get in contact!
Arts on Tour
02 8038 1880
touring@artsontour.com.au
Arts on Tour is based in Redfern NSW and we respectfully acknowledge the Gadigal people as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the unceded land on which we work.
As we tour artists and productions across these vast lands, we pay our respect to all First Nations Elders, past, present and future.
We celebrate their continuing connection and contribution to culture, country and community, and thank all First Nations peoples for their wisdom in caring for the land, the sky, the rivers and the sea.