Working in Brisbane and Melbourne, touring nationally and internationally, debase has been creating new shows since 1998.

debase produces a wide range of work for a wide range of audiences; from children’s theatre, to comic drama, to cabaret. For debase, the relationship with our audience is paramount – this is reflected in the way we create and program work with and for specific audiences.

debase employs a highly physical and collaborative approach to developing new work which is strongly influenced by the teaching of Philippe Gaulier and his philosophy that successful performance begins with a sense of play. Working with a vision to enact social change through comic performance, we believe comedy empowers audiences to reflect and critique vital issues.

We are committed to telling Australian stories and challenging our audiences to question stereotypes, history and identity. Our body of work includes The Longest Minute (exploring the intersection of gender, race and sport), Chasing the Lollyman (Mark Sheppard’s exploration of urban Indigenous identity), The Clown from Snowy River (the entire history of Australia told by clowns), Spoilt (an examination of contemporary self-obsession) and Fly-In Fly-Out (a young person’s perspective on the mining boom).

In 2019, debase was awarded the Gold Matilda at the Queensland Theatre Awards for outstanding contribution to theatre in Queensland.

debase productions is a not for profit company.