A new stage production igniting conversation, change and truth-telling.
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, centring 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.
Please note, this event is located at PHIVE, 5 Parramatta Square. Please email education_riverside@cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au if you have wheelchair requirements and leave a note about all access requirements for your group or person to ensure they’re well supported during the show.
Co-Adaptors Kobra Sayyadi and Callan Purcell
Director Randa Sayed
Composer & Sound Designer James Brown
Production Designer Keerthi Subramanyam
Lighting Designer Kate Baldwin
Performers Zeynab Noori, Matt Dorahy, Challito Browne, Angie Diaz, Andrew Attieh
Photo Credit: Photo by Prazis Images
All school performances are followed by a 10-minute Q&A session.
Monday 10 November 2025 at 10:00am
Monday 10 November 2025 at 12:30pm
Tuesday 11 November 2025 at 10:00am
Tuesday 11 November 2025 at 12:30pm
Wednesday 12 November 2025 at 10:00am
Wednesday 12 November 2025 at 12:30pm
Thursday 13 November 2025 at 10:00am
Thursday 13 November 2025 at 12:30pm
Friday 14 November 2025 at 11:00am
$31 (Standard Price)
1 teacher free for every 20 students booked.
Curriculum Links and Resources
Download Education Pack.
Download Curriculum Links.
Online Education Bookings
1 teacher free for every 20 students booked.
To reserve your booking, please email education_riverside@cityofparrmatta.nsw.gov.au and confirm the number of tickets, prices and contact details. Please note you will not be asked to pay for your booking at this stage.
You’ll receive a booking invoice of a 25% non-refundable deposit with a ‘payment due’ date. It is your responsibility to forward the tax invoice to your Financial Officer for payment by the due date.
For more details about How to Book, Excursion & Accessibility For Education
In English
Wheelchair accessible
Companion Card accepted
Assistive Hearing system available (FM)
Find out more about accessibility at PHIVE.
$7.95 Transaction Fee applies.
The authorised ticket agency for this event is Riverside Theatres.
Only tickets purchased by authorised agencies should be considered reliable. If you purchase tickets from a non-authorised agency, you risk that these tickets are fake, void, or have previously been cancelled. Resale restriction applies.
Prices are correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice. Exact prices will be displayed with seat selection. Children aged 0-18 months at the time of a performance may be seated on an adult’s lap free of charge. A valid ticket is required for all children over 18 months.
For more details, please refer to our Terms and Conditions.
Riverside Theatres acknowledges the Dharug people who are the traditional custodians of the land of Parramatta. We pay our respects to the elders past and present of the Dharug nation and extends that respect to other Aboriginal people visiting this site.