A boy in a hoodie and shorts performs a high jump on stage, arms expressive. Blue and red lights create a dynamic and dramatic atmosphere.

Saplings By Hannah Belanszky

  • First Nations
  • Theatre
  • Kids & Families
  • 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…”

Would you risk breaking bail for a packet of Mi Goreng? Would you snitch on a mate to save your own skin? Around here, ordinary days can turn on you so fast you’ve still got a smile on your face as your hopes die in your hands.

Yani wants to go to the Easter Show, Kai wants a sense of home, Shanika wants her Mum back, and Lachlan… well, he just wants his bowl of noodles. But when the justice system is all that stands between these young people and what they want, it raises an important question—how do young people grow when the system keeps cutting them down?

After premiering at The Rebel Theatre for the 2024 Sydney Festival and winning the Sydney Theatre Award for Best Production for Young People, Saplings returns to the Sydney stage. Written by Yuwaalaray playwright Hannah Belanszky and directed by Kalkadoon artist Abbie-lee Lewis, this collection of hilarious and heartbreaking stories emerges from workshops with young people navigating the youth justice system from Marrickville to Moree. Four talented young actors take on multiple roles in this poetic, personal, and unexpected production that will leave you questioning: who’s really to blame?

Set to a soundtrack of rap and hip-hop music made by young people in the youth justice system, Saplings gives an honest, raw look into the adult consequences faced by some of our most vulnerable. Join us for a night of laughter, tears and celebration of the survival instincts of young people.

Join us for a celebration of First Nations creativity, of laughter, tears and the survival instincts of young people.

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

There are also performances of Saplings for schools.

Event details

Embodies the reality of youth justice today.

Sydney Morning Herald

This play is authentic, raw, brutal, and very moving.

Sydney Arts Guide

Moving, upsetting and, perhaps unexpectantly, strikingly funny.

ArtsHub

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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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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