Displace I Call Home Marks First Original Production from Byron Theatre Company
By Amanda Kuhn
A bold new era of professional theatre begins in the Byron Shire with the launch of Displace I Call Home, the debut production from the newly formed Byron Theatre Company, opens this July.
Byron Bay, May 2024 -The Byron Theatre is officially home to its own resident theatre company. This winter the newly established Byron Theatre Company will debut its first original production, a poetic and powerful new Australian play titled ‘Displace I Call Home’.
Founded in partnership with the Byron Community Centre, which celebrates its 130th anniversary this year, the Byron Theatre Company represents a bold new commitment to locally made, professionally produced performance. The company will deliver an annual season of original theatre, alongside creative development programs for regional artists, including mentorships, masterclasses and collaborative residences.
“The Byron community is bursting with creative energy and many visitors come here seeking cultural experiences,” says Creative Producer Bianca Sirianni. “Founding a resident theatre company is the next natural step. In fact, it would be a disservice to our community not to use this wonderful venue to create art.”
Running 2-5 July 2025, Displace I Call Home is the company’s first production. Written and directed by Sirianni, the work blends poetic storytelling, physical theatre and cinematic projection. It stars Sally Davis, Noa Rotem and Tom Davies, with choreography by Waangenga Blanco and the projection design by Victor Holder.
Displace I Call Home follows the story of Jacqui, a woman who has spent a lifetime studying problems in the natural world while avoiding her own. When a terminal diagnosis cuts through her isolation, she’s visited by a mysterious bird that draws her into a surreal journey through memory, myth and healing. Set across the Australian landscape, the play reflects on the meaning of home and belonging in a transmigratory world.
Byron Theatre Manager Jon Howell says, “Twenty-two years ago, the Byron Community Centre transformed our community hall into a professional theatre. Since then, we have welcomed thousands of performances across theatre, dance, music, film and festivals. The launch of the Byron Theatre Company is an exciting evolution. It gives us a dedicated platform to support the creation of new, local work and deepen our role in the cultural life of Byron Bay”.
Kate Love, Communications Manager at the Byron Community Centre adds, “As we celebrate 130 years of serving the Byron community, it’s fitting that we’re also launching something new, a resident theatre company that deepens our cultural contribution and brings more original storytelling to the stage.”
Displace I Call Home is supported by CreateNSW and the Regional Arts Fund.
Performances run from 2 - 5 July 2025 at Byron Theatre (69 Jonson Street, Byron Bay). Early bird tickets are on sale now for just $39 for a limited time.
Byron Theatre: www.byrontheatre.com.au
The Byron Community Centre is an independent not-for-profit organisation that provides essential services including meals, advocacy and counselling, as well as arts and social programs for the benefit of the whole community. For more information please see: www.byroncentre.com.au.