Back to Bilo: Bringing the Story to Life at Queensland Theatre
For the last two weeks Belloo has been hard at work in design development for Back to Bilo, a deeply moving story inspired by the Nadesalingam family and the Biloela community who fought to bring them home. Co-Composer and Sound Designer Guy Webster, Production Designer Govin Ruben, Video Designer Mic Gruchy, and Costume and Prop Designer Keerthi Subramanyam, along with Director Caroline Dunphy, Assistant Director Janaki Gerard and Writer Katherine Lyall-Watson, have been exploring how to transform this powerful story from page to stage.
The December development placed a spotlight on the design process, an essential step in bringing a theatrical work to life. Back to Bilo integrates multiple forms of media, melding original score and video design with live performance, a transformative set, costumes, and props to immerse audiences in the heart of the family's story.
A Long Development Journe
The care and time taken with Back to Bilo reflect Belloo’s deep commitment to this story. Across three developments in 2024, we’ve collaborated with artists, community members, and audiences to honour the voices behind this work.
February–March 2024
We began the year with an inspiring eight-day creative period in Brisbane, followed by a trip to Biloela. This visit culminated in a rehearsed reading at the Biloela ANZAC Memorial Club on 2 March. Sharing the work-in-progress with Priya, Nades, Angela, Bron, Simone, the Home to Bilo community, and originator Matt Scholten was both humbling and illuminating.
May–June 2024
Our third development saw Back to Bilo come to life through a rehearsed reading at Queensland Theatre, followed by a special opening performance at the Women of the World Festival in Biloela on 31 May.
December 2024
This final development of the year has been all about design. Our incredible team of designers—Guy Webster, Govin Ruben, Mic Gruchy, and Keerthi Subramanyam—have dived deep into their craft, shaping the sonic, visual, and spatial elements that will define Back to Bilo on stage.
A Belloo Creative production
BACK TO BILO
📅 Dates: 3–13 September 2025
📍 Venue: Bille Brown Theatre, Queensland Theatre
🎟️ Book now to secure your seats!
https://www.belloocreative.com/backtobilo
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government’s Major Festivals Initiative, managed by the Australia Council, its arts funding and advisory body, in association with the Confederation of Australian International Arts Festivals Inc commissioned by Brisbane Festival, Darwin Festival, Perth Festival and Queensland Theatre.
Images by Jade Ellis Photography.
