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Yong Term 2

20 - 23 June 2023

In the Studio

Sydney Opera House Presents

Solo Theatre Performance | Stages 3 - 5

Set against the backdrop of the Australian Goldrush of 1857, mixing historical fact and narrative fiction, Yong takes us on a coming-of-age journey of a young Chinese boy across land and sea, from China to the goldfields of Australia.

Yong is a universally resonant story about a young boy who must learn to step out of the shadow of other people’s expectations to find himself.

Jenevieve Chang, writer

Teacher’s Resource Pack

Our resources are packed with practical, creative activities that will add to your students’ experience. 

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Curriculum Links

Exploring themes of characterisation, social and political history, solo performance, vocal and physicalisation techniques, exploring characters, use of transitions, Chinese-Australian identity and the Goldrush, family and history, migration and social history in English, Languages (Chinese), History, Modern History and Drama.

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Resources for teachers

The Opera House’s Teacher Resources provide inspirational activities to watch, listen and read for students in the classroom or learning at home. 

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A story of overcoming adversity and building courage

A storm rages. Thunder cracks, the wind a mournful howl, rain falls and waves crash. The wooden boat bucks and heaves. Yong holds on tight. He looks up at the moon and thinks of home.

Set against the backdrop of the Australian Goldrush of 1857, Yong is a new Australian play by Jenevieve Chang. Mixing historical fact and narrative fiction, Yong takes us on a journey across land and sea, from China to the goldfields of Australia. In overcoming difficult challenges, he discovers a resilience in himself that he never knew he had.

Please note that the production contains Themes of Parental Death, Racism and Simulated Violence.

A Monkey Baa Theatre Company production
Written for the stage by Jenevieve Chang
Based on the book Yong: The Journey of an Unworthy Son by Janeen Brian published by Walker Books Australia Pty Ltd

Supported by
The Australian Government RISE fund
Australia Council for the Arts
NSW Government

Presented by Sydney Opera House

  • Australia Council for the Arts
  • NSW Government

About Monkey Baa Theatre Company

Monkey Baa Theatre Company creates and presents great theatre for young people. They collaborate with internationally acclaimed authors, award-winning creatives, and most importantly, imaginative young people, in bringing their shows to life.

Over 25 years, Monkey Baa has become one of Australia’s widest touring companies with 38 national tours to 135 regional and remote communities, 5 international tours and over 3500 performances reaching over 1.5 million young people.

The stories Monkey Baa shares embrace social and cultural connections, celebrate our rich cultural heritage and inspire young audiences to learn about the world and their place in it.

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Excursions at the Opera House

A Day Out at the House

Offer your students to an unforgettable day out at the Sydney Opera House with our new curated program. Students can attend a Creative Learning Performance or Workshop onsite accompanied by a Walking Tour of our internationally renowned performing arts centre, all in time to back by the final school bell.

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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.

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