Hannah Belanszky's Saplings Opens at the Sydney Opera House
A new play based on real stories from young people navigating the Australian justice system premieres this week.
Commissioned by the Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP), Saplings draws on research conducted through workshops in youth centres and juvenile detention facilities across New South Wales, including Miyay Birray Youth Services in Moree and Reiby Youth Justice Centre.
A Collage of Real-Life Stories
The play presents a series of brief scenes about young people's interactions with the justice system. Belanszky, a Yuwaalaraay playwright, spent a year researching the experiences of young people navigating the system.
Key Facts
- About 60% of young people aged 10–17 in detention in Australia are Indigenous
- The production is directed by Kalkadoon actor and director Abbie-lee Lewis
Stories Featured in the Play
- Teen pals Kai and Jonty need money to buy an iPhone for music recording
- Siblings Shanika and Isaiah wait at a train station for their mother being released from prison
- Alinta and Sandon navigate the children's court process
- Lachy breaches house arrest and a lifetime ban from Woolworths to buy noodles for dinner
"The play aims to show their playfulness and their loyalty and love for each other." — Belanszky
Behind the Scenes
ATYP artistic director Hayden Tonazzi reported that during workshops at youth justice centres, young people actively participated in performing scenes from the play.
Belanszky first engaged with young people at the Midjuburi Youth Resource Centre in Marrickville in early 2023. Initially planning structured activities, she instead spent time chatting and eating pizza with the teens.
A Window Into Youth Justice
Saplings offers audiences an intimate look at the lives of young people caught in the justice system, focusing on their humanity rather than their circumstances.