Due to current circumstances, Arts House’s presentation of The Dispute from Thursday 27 May until Saturday 5 June has been cancelled.

Ticket holders to performances between these dates will be contacted directly regarding a full refund. For further information or enquiries, please contact Arts House on 03 9322 3720.

Children are often at the centre of families, but when it comes to divorce do we listen to what they have to say?

Based on the original production by French/Algerian theatre maker Mohamed El Khatib, The Dispute turns the tables on the common narrative of family separation. Six children take the stage to share their stories, questions and perspectives. 

What words do they put to the event? How do they see it? What have they always wanted to ask? We often view divorce as an untenable dispute, but what happens when we allow children to tell us how they see it? 

Each of the young performers has taken an active part in the creation of the work. Their observations reveal an intelligence and awareness that is moving, sweet, funny and insightful.  The Dispute treads a delicate path between audacity and discretion, emotion and mischievousness.

Post-Show Chat with the Cast of The Dispute

Following the performance on Friday 4 June, join a post-show chat led by The Dispute’s young cast, with director Jackson Castiglione, and Phoebe Wallish from Stepfamilies Australia. It’s a relaxed opportunity for young people attending the performance to engage with other kids from separated and blended families.