Saplings By Hannah Belanszky

Term 2

  • Schools
  • Performance
  • Aboriginal Studies
  • Drama
  • History
  • Studio
  • Run time: 80 minutes Subject to change

Stories from the law and justice system

“I wasn’t there ’cause I wanted to be. I was there ’cause I had to be, okay? If Josh hadn’t eaten my noodles, I wouldn’t be here…” 

Set to a soundtrack of rap and hip-hop created by young people in the youth justice system, Saplings offers an honest, raw look at the adult consequences faced by some of our most vulnerable. 

Through a series of short interwoven scenes, the voices and experiences of young people navigating Australia’s youth justice system are captured in this high-energy emotional performance, brought to life by an exceptional group of First Nations actors and creatives. 

Yani, Kai, Shanika and Lachlan each have their own hopes, dreams and struggles. From wanting to go to the Easter Show to seeking a sense of home, their desires are relatable—yet complicated by their interactions with the justice system. As the play unfolds, it raises important questions about how young people grow and thrive while facing systemic barriers and societal expectations. 

Yuwaalaraay playwright Hannah Belanszky and Kalkadoon director Abbie-Lee Lewis bring their exceptional talent to Saplings, a collection of hilarious and heartbreaking stories born from workshops with young people experiencing the youth justice system from Marrickville to Moree. This contemporary Australian drama is a poetic, personal, funny and unexpected production that will leave you questioning who’s really to blame within the complexities of the youth justice system—while celebrating the survival instincts of young people. 

This performance can be booked alongside the workshop Songwriting Workshops.

What to expect

Saplings places First Nations voices at the centre of its creative process, with Yuwaalaraay playwright Hannah Belanszky and Kalkadoon director Abbie-Lee Lewis leading the work—ensuring authentic storytelling that reflects the lived experiences of young First Nations people who have been affected by the justice system. 

Students will see: 

  • Short interwoven scenes—performed by a cast of four actors—capturing the voices and experiences of young people navigating Australia’s youth justice system.
  • Minimal sets and everyday props, sharp dialogue, music and shifting character roles.
  • Please note: this performance includes coarse language (swearing), haze, loud noises and references to deceased First Nations peoples. 

Subject areas: Aboriginal Studies, Drama, Visual Arts, English, History.

General capabilities and cross-curriculum priorities: Literacy, Critical and Creative Thinking, Ethical Understanding, Intercultural Understanding, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Histories and Cultures, Personal and Social Capability. 

Key themes: Identity and belonging, civics and citizenship, celebrating diversity, systemic inequality, justice and resistance, cultural storytelling, family and survival, small acts with big consequences. 

This production is supported by the St George Foundation, Create NSW and Creative Australia. 

Sydney Opera House presents an Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) production

Event details

In this production, humour, often self-deprecating, is never far from the surface, and so is ingenuity and resilience, expressed in quick fire backchat and physicality. The words fly past! Catch ’em if you can!

Sydney Morning Herald

About Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP)

Since 1963, the Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) has been the flagship home for young people to create, perform, and tell their stories. We create theatre by and for young people, championing their stories, perspectives, and potential. Based out of our new home in the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, we deliver an annual program of performances, learning workshops, and artist development programs to empower and build the next generation of storytellers and audiences. We ignite the creative spirit of young Australians, providing them with the tools to enrich Australia’s cultural life with their stories.

Cast and creatives

Writer
Hannah Belanszky

Director
Abbie-Lee Lewis

Associate Director
Ryan Whitworth-Jones

Dramaturg
Jane FitzGerald

Co-Set and Costume Designer
Angela Doherty

Co-Set and Lighting Designer
Morgan Moroney

Composer and Sound Designer
Michael Weir

Fight Director
Tim Dashwood

Producer
Hayden Tonazzi

Associate Producer
Ryan Whitworth-Jones

Photography by 
Clare Hawley

Videography by 
Carnivore Films

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Excursions at the Opera House

A Day Out at the House

A full school day experience of creative learning with a performance or workshop and Sydney Opera House tour.

Arts Assist

Does your School need financial assistance to attend a Sydney Opera House excursion?

Schools Tour

Filled with stories that demonstrate the power of creativity, students join a guided tour to learn how architect Jørn Utzon created a sculpture on Sydney Harbour that changed the course of 20th century architecture.

A young girl wearing a school uniform stares out a window in a Sydney Opera House foyer. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is seen in the background.

Attending this event

Plan your visit

Address

Sydney Opera House
Bennelong Point
Sydney NSW 2000
Australia

Getting to the venue

The Opera House is a 7-10 minute walk from Circular Quay, and is easily accessible by car, train, ferry, lightrail, bus, bike and on foot.

Location and access

Studio

The Studio is located in the north-western corner of Sydney Opera House, best accessed through the Western Foyers.

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