Behind the Partnership: Monkey Baa and Coliseum Theatre
With the support of our partners, Monkey Baa continues to expand access to theatre experiences for young people across Australia. Our partnership with Coliseum Theatre marks a significant step in bringing high-quality, engaging productions to families in Western Sydney. Together, we’re working to make the arts more accessible and to inspire a new generation through the magic of live performance.
We spoke with Trish Charan, General Manager of the Coliseum Theatre, about the vision behind this partnership and what’s to come.
What brought the Coliseum and Monkey Baa together for this partnership?
Trish: The partnership between the Coliseum and Monkey Baa emerged from our shared commitment to creating and presenting exceptional performances for young audiences. Monkey Baa initially approached us as they were expanding their touring operations, which immediately caught my attention. The Coliseum has been actively seeking to strengthen our programming for young people, and with numerous schools in our local area, this collaboration felt like a natural fit that would benefit both organisations and the community we serve.
What excites you most about partnering with Monkey Baa?
Trish: What excites me most is Monkey Baa's unwavering dedication to theatre for young people. They don't just create shows – they genuinely care about nurturing creativity and inclusivity while bringing young people together through the arts. Their passion is evident in everything they do, and they consistently deliver on their promises.
Photo from the 2024 Possum Magic National Tour at the Coliseum Theatre
What does this partnership mean for families in Western Sydney?
Trish: This partnership means families in Western Sydney will have unprecedented access to high-quality live theatre right on their doorstep. Together, the Coliseum and Monkey Baa can bring exceptional theatrical and educational performances directly to our community, creating opportunities for young people who might not otherwise experience live performance.
As a new performance space in Western Sydney, our vision is to become a true home for live entertainment in the region. We're committed to building connections with local schools, communities and families, ensuring that world-class theatre is accessible and affordable for everyone.
Monkey Baa's Theatre Unlimited initiative particularly excites us. We see ourselves as the perfect catalyst for this program in Western Sydney, working hand-in-hand with Monkey Baa to ensure every young person in our community can experience the magic of live theatre.
Can you share a memorable theatre moment from your childhood?
Trish: Growing up in the Pacific Islands, I had very limited access to theatre and live performance. My earliest stage experience was actually as a performer (and I say that very lightly) – I was part of a group of young dancers who performed traditional hula at local hotels as entertainment for tourists.
I didn't attend my first proper theatre performance until I was a teenager, and it completely changed my perspective. I was absolutely astounded by everything – the performances, the staging, the lights, the sound, and realising just how many people it takes to bring a show to life. That moment opened my eyes to the magic and complexity of live theatre, and I knew I wanted to be part of that world. It's been a driving passion ever since.
What do you hope this partnership leads to in the future?
Trish: I envision this partnership growing into something truly transformative for young people across Western Sydney. Within the next couple of years, I hope we'll have established a sustainable collaboration with Monkey Baa that creates meaningful social impact through their productions.
The Coliseum provides the perfect venue for live performance for young people, and we have the passion to genuinely support and include our community through the arts. Nothing brings me greater joy than watching young people discover the magic of theatre and get swept away on an adventure, even if it's just for a few hours. That's what makes this partnership so exciting – we're not just presenting shows, we're opening doors to new worlds for the next generation.
