Priya and Nades left war-torn Sri Lanka and found each other in regional Queensland. They married, had two daughters, worked hard and settled into a simple but happy country life.
The community welcomed them with open arms — but four years later came a knock at the door and they were ripped away in a dawn raid.
Their story could have ended there, but a brave band of Biloela women weren’t giving up on them so easily.
Fighting alongside the young refugee family, they launched a grassroots, people-powered campaign that galvanised hundreds of thousands of ordinary Australians to demand the family be brought back to Bilo. This is the remarkable true account of one family’s ordeal in the nightmare limbo of immigration detention, a story of how love is stronger than fear and of how persistence and togetherness can win against crushing odds.
Back to Bilo is a profoundly moving new play from celebrated local company Belloo Creative (Boy, Lost) and is made with — and from — the heart of regional Queensland.
3rd September, 2025
13th September, 2025
Ages 14+.
Queensland Theatre is committed to making their performances accessible to all theatre lovers.
For full access information and a visual story for the Bille Brown theatre, please view the Queensland Theatre Accessibility Guide.
GETTING TO THE VENUE
BY BUS: The 86 bus route is a free South Brisbane bus loop service offered by Translink, that delivers you meters from the theatre's front door.
BY CAR: There is paid car parking available in the surrounding streets.
"A must-see production about the triumph of the human spirit and the power of community." — Cathy Hunt, WOW (Women of the World) Festival
Writer: Katherine Lyall-Watson
Director: Caroline Dunphy
Original Concept: Matt Scholten
Dramaturg: Kathryn Kelly
Tamil Cultural Advisors: Sudhesh Somu & Vashini Jayakumar
Designer: Govin Ruben
Costume Designer: Keerthi Subramanyam
Composer and Sound Designer: Guy Webster
Video Designer: Mic Gruchy
BACK TO BILO is at Brisbane's Bille Brown Theatre, which is located at 78 Montague Road, Brisbane, 4101.
BACK TO BILO tickets start at $70.
Ages 14+.
Check the top of this page for current availability and exclusive offers on BACK TO BILO tickets on TodayTix.
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