Entertainment
19 June, 2026
Red flagging teen stresses
A NEW Cairns-produced theatre work exploring consent, relationships and social media opened at Bulmba-ja Arts Centre on Thursday 18 June.
Presented by Box Jelly Theatre Co, ‘Red Flags’ drew on insights from local police, social workers, guidance officers, parents, teenagers and psychologists to examine issues facing young people in an increasingly digital world.
Written and directed by Rachel Terry, the four-actor production starred Natalie Taylor, Lauren Brown, Oka Beresford and Julian Terry.
The show explored topics including online image sharing, personal boundaries, unhealthy relationships, body image and self-esteem, while encouraging conversations between teenagers and their families.
Box Jelly Theatre founder, writer and director Rachel Terry said the production was inspired by discussions with young people, families, educators and frontline professionals dealing with complex issues around consent, relationships and social media.
“Red Flags is important and timely. The issues we explore in the show are happening in our community every day and theatre provides a powerful way to start important conversations in a safe environment,” Ms Terry said.
Created for teenagers and their families, the production focused on the realities of navigating relationships in a digitally connected world and aimed to help young people better understand consent and healthy relationships.
Following performances, audiences have the opportunity to participate in question-and-answer sessions featuring officers from the Cairns Child Protection Investigation Unit and child psychologist Danae Owen.
The production’s creators said the sessions were designed to extend conversations raised during the performance and provide families with access to professional insights and support.
Red Flags continues at Bulmba-ja Arts Centre with performances on Friday 19 June and Saturday 20 June. The production is rated PG and recommended for audiences aged 12 and over.
Tickets are $27 and can be booked online via www.bit.ly/4uCW7Cs
