In NSW, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children make up over 56% of those in youth detention, but only around 4% of the youth population. Presented by the Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP), Saplings at the Sydney Opera House sheds light on the youth justice system.
Written by Yuwaalaray playwright Hannah Belanszky and directed by Kalkadoon artist Abbie-lee Lewis, Saplings is based on true stories taken from workshops and interviews with incarcerated youth from Marrickville to Moree. Each story is presented as its own scene, helping to create a raw and honest insight into the impacts and failings of the justice system on young people.
While the play occasionally depicts these young people committing “crimes”, we are reminded that the judicial system is rarely so black-and-white. Jonty dreams of having enough money to pay his mother’s electricity bill so the power won’t be cut off again, Yani just really wants to go to the Easter Show this year, and Lachlan didn’t want to break bail but he really wanted a bowl of noodles. Throughout the production we are reminded that these are just kids: thirteen, fourteen year olds who have dreams of starting a musical duo or becoming a photographer.
Playing various roles throughout are four incredible actors, Talijah Blackman, Maliyan Blair (Gamilaroi), Sam Harmon and Danny Howard. Despite the heavy material, these performers are able to bring a lightness and, at times, humour to the performance that is surprising. In particular, Maliyan Blair’s comedic presence and timing were exceptionally good.
The staging was simple but extremely effective, enhanced by a well-executed lighting design. The accompanying music was the perfect soundtrack for the stories being told, and it’s no surprise with the performance set to original rap and hip-hop created by young people inside the system.
I appreciated and enjoyed the connection between the opening and closing scenes. It was a beautiful way to encapsulate the entire performance. However, it was not immediately apparent that each of these scenes was a separate story. As the same four actors are playing multiple roles, there were times when I did wonder if it was a continuation of one character’s particular story arc. The lack of narrative cohesion does nothing to detract from the significance of these accounts, and the heart-breaking reality of the youth justice system.
With insights into inter-generational trauma, Saplings is a powerful and moving performance. Providing a platform for young people’s stories is deeply important, and this production is a brilliant example of how it can be done.
THREE AND A HALF STARS (OUT OF FIVE)
Saplings performed at the Sydney Opera House, 14 – 17 May 2026.
For more information, head to the Sydney Opera House website.
Reviewer attended on Saturday 16 May 2026.
Photo credit: Daniel Boud
