Touring Nationally
Touring Nationally
Touring Nationally
Touring Nationally
Saplings
by
Hannah Belanszky
Platforming
Hannah Belanszky, Maliyan Blair & Nyasha Ogden
Directed by
Abbie-lee Lewis
A collection of hilarious and heartbreaking stories born from workshops with young people experiencing the youth justice system.
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Sydney & Nationally
Opens 11 May
Saplings
“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.”
Saplings
“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.”
Saplings
“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.”
Saplings
“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.
After premiering at The Rebel Theatre for the Sydney Festival in 2024 and winning Sydney Theatre Awards’ Best Production for Young People, Yuwaalaray playwright Hannah Belanszky and Kalkadoon director Abbie-lee Lewis bring Saplings to the stage once again. Four talented young actors take on multiple roles in this collection of hilarious and heartbreaking stories born from workshops with young people experiencing the youth justice system, from Marrickville to Moree.
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? This poetic, personal and unexpected production will leave you asking who’s really to blame.
Dates
Sun 11 May – Sat 17 May Sun 17 Jul – Sat 1 Sep
Dates
Sun 11 May – Sat 17 May Sun 17 Jul – Sat 1 Sep
Dates
Sun 11 May – Sat 17 May Sun 17 Jul – Sat 1 Sep
Dates
Sun 11 May – Sat 17 May Sun 17 Jul – Sat 1 Sep
Venue(s)
Sydney Opera House
+ 10 National Tour Locations
Venue(s)
Sydney Opera House
+ 10 National Tour Locations
Venue(s)
Sydney Opera House
+ 10 National Tour Locations
Venue(s)
Sydney Opera House
+ 10 National Tour Locations
Pricing
Ticket prices vary by venue.
Please purchase your tickets directly through the website of your selected theatre.
Pricing
Ticket prices vary by venue.
Please purchase your tickets directly through the website of your selected theatre.
Pricing
Ticket prices vary by venue.
Please purchase your tickets directly through the website of your selected theatre.
Pricing
Ticket prices vary by venue.
Please purchase your tickets directly through the website of your selected theatre.
Duration
Approx 80 mins (no interval)
Duration
Approx 80 mins (no interval)
Duration
Approx 80 mins (no interval)
Duration
Approx 80 mins (no interval)
Age & Content Warnings
Suitable for ages 14+.
Coarse language (swearing), haze, loud noises, and references to First Nations peoples who are deceased.
Age & Content Warnings
Suitable for ages 14+.
Coarse language (swearing), haze, loud noises, and references to First Nations peoples who are deceased.
Age & Content Warnings
Suitable for ages 14+.
Coarse language (swearing), haze, loud noises, and references to First Nations peoples who are deceased.
Age & Content Warnings
Suitable for ages 14+.
Coarse language (swearing), haze, loud noises, and references to First Nations peoples who are deceased.
Detailed ticketing info below
More ticketing info below
More ticketing info below
Detailed ticketing info below
Presented by the Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP) in partnership with the Sydney Opera House and Arts Centre Melbourne
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Director's Notes
Hear Hayden Tonazzi discuss the inspiration behind this show
Director's Notes
Hear Hayden Tonazzi discuss the inspiration behind this show
Director's Notes
Hear Hayden Tonazzi discuss the inspiration behind this show
Director's Notes
Expand to play in full-screen
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ArtsHub but longer
Sydney Morning Herald
Theatre Travels
ArtsHub but longer
Sydney Morning Herald
Theatre Travels
ArtsHub but longer
Sydney Morning Herald
Theatre Travels
ArtsHub but longer
Sydney Morning Herald
Theatre Travels
Ticketing Information
Performance dates, times & pricing
Ticketing Information
Performance dates, times & pricing
Ticketing Information
Performance dates, times & pricing
Ticketing Information
Performance dates, times & pricing
★
Saplings is touring nationally and is set to be performed at 11 different venues around Australia. To book a ticket, please visit the website of your chosen theatre.
Ticket Prices
Ticket prices vary between venues – follow the venue links to book tickets.
Ticket Prices
Ticket prices vary between venues – follow the venue links to book tickets.
Ticket Prices
Ticket prices vary between venues – follow the venue links to book tickets.
Ticket Prices
Ticket prices vary between venues – follow the venue links to book tickets.
Accessibility Information
Wheelchair accessible venue(s)
Hearing assistance available
Closed captioning available
Auslan-signed performance(s)
Accessibility Information
Wheelchair accessible venue(s)
Hearing assistance available
Closed captioning available
Auslan-signed performance(s)
Accessibility Info
Wheelchair accessible venue(s)
Hearing assistance available
Closed captioning available
Auslan-signed performance(s)
Accessibility Information
Wheelchair accessible venue(s)
Hearing assistance available
Closed captioning available
Auslan-signed performance(s)
Dates | Venue |
|---|---|
Wed 13 May | |
Fri 17 Jul | |
Thu 23 Jul | |
Tue 28 Jul | |
Wed 5 Aug | |
Thu 13 Aug | |
Thu 20 Aug | |
Sat 22 Aug | |
Tue 25 Aug | |
Fri 28 Aug | |
Tue 1 Sep |
Acknowledgements
Special thanks to our Partners and Supporters who made this production possible. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.
Special thanks to our Partners and Supporters who made this production possible. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.
Special thanks to our Partners and Supporters who made this production possible. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.
Special thanks to our Partners and Supporters who made this production possible. This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body.
Cast & Creatives
Discover the artists behind this production
Cast & Creatives
Discover the artists behind this production
Cast & Creatives
Discover the artists behind this production
Cast & Creatives
Discover the artists behind this production
Hannah Belanszky
Writer
Writer
Hannah Belanszky
(
she/her
)
is a writer, actor and Yuwaalaraay woman based in Sydney. She is the recipient of the 2025 Belnaves Fellowship with the Belvoir St Theatre, which has long been recognised as one of the most prestigious playwriting awards in Australia. Her debut mainstage play DON’T ASK WHAT THE BIRD LOOK LIKE premiered at Queensland Theatre in 2023 and was shortlisted for the 2024 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards.
Abbie-lee Lewis
Director
Director
Abbie-lee Lewis
is a Kalkadoon woman but born on Arrante country and grew up in Western Australia. In 2008 she graduated from the Aboriginal Theatre Course at WAPA. Since moving to Sydney, she has worked with the Bell Shakespeare Company, touring their educational program, The Players. In recent years Abbie-Lee has begun to develop a passion for directing and theatre making.
Nyasha Ogden
Cast
Cast
Nyasha Ogden
Maliyan Blair
Cast
Cast
Maliyan Blair
Ryan Whitworth-Jones
Associate Director
Associate Director
Ryan Whitworth-Jones
(
he/him
)
is a proud Wiradjuri man, award-winning director, producer, and arts leader. Holding a Master of Fine Arts in Directing from NIDA, Ryan has collaborated with prominent companies such as Sydney Theatre Company, Darlinghurst Theatre Company, Moogahlin Performing Arts, Opera Australia, Art Gallery of NSW and NAISDA Dance College. Career highlights include: Director for Fidelio (Opera Australia development), Cloudstreet (Lane Cove Theatre Company, Best Director Nominee); Dramaturg for The Visitors (Sydney Theatre Company); as a Producer, Ryan has earned 2 Imagine awards.
Jane FitzGerald
Dramaturg
Dramaturg
Jane FitzGerald
Angela Doherty
Co-Set & Costume Designer
Co-Set & Costume Designer
Angela Doherty
Morgan Moroney
Co-Set & Lighting Designer
Co-Set & Lighting Designer
Morgan Moroney
is an award-winning lighting and video designer working across theatre, opera, dance and installation. Growing up on Kaurna land, he currently lives and works primarily on Gadigal land. He brings a distinct multidisciplinary approach to his practice, with a particular fascination for integrated-media live performance.
Michael Weir
Composer & Sound Designer
Composer & Sound Designer
Michael Weir
Tim Dashwood
Fight Director
Fight Director
Tim Dashwood
is an actor, Fight Director and movement creative having studied extensively in a range of martial and movement practices. He is the current President of the Society of Australian Fight Directors Incorporated (SAFDi). As Fight Director, he has worked with companies including: Hayes Theatre Company, Sydney Theatre Company, Griffin, The Ensemble, ATYP and Bell Shakespeare.
Hannah Belanszky
Writer
Writer
Hannah Belanszky
(
she/her
)
is a writer, actor and Yuwaalaraay woman based in Sydney. She is the recipient of the 2025 Belnaves Fellowship with the Belvoir St Theatre, which has long been recognised as one of the most prestigious playwriting awards in Australia. Her debut mainstage play DON’T ASK WHAT THE BIRD LOOK LIKE premiered at Queensland Theatre in 2023 and was shortlisted for the 2024 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards.
Abbie-lee Lewis
Director
Director
Abbie-lee Lewis
is a Kalkadoon woman but born on Arrante country and grew up in Western Australia. In 2008 she graduated from the Aboriginal Theatre Course at WAPA. Since moving to Sydney, she has worked with the Bell Shakespeare Company, touring their educational program, The Players. In recent years Abbie-Lee has begun to develop a passion for directing and theatre making.
Nyasha Ogden
Cast
Cast
Nyasha Ogden
Maliyan Blair
Cast
Cast
Maliyan Blair
Ryan Whitworth-Jones
Associate Director
Associate Director
Ryan Whitworth-Jones
(
he/him
)
is a proud Wiradjuri man, award-winning director, producer, and arts leader. Holding a Master of Fine Arts in Directing from NIDA, Ryan has collaborated with prominent companies such as Sydney Theatre Company, Darlinghurst Theatre Company, Moogahlin Performing Arts, Opera Australia, Art Gallery of NSW and NAISDA Dance College. Career highlights include: Director for Fidelio (Opera Australia development), Cloudstreet (Lane Cove Theatre Company, Best Director Nominee); Dramaturg for The Visitors (Sydney Theatre Company); as a Producer, Ryan has earned 2 Imagine awards.
Jane FitzGerald
Dramaturg
Dramaturg
Jane FitzGerald
Angela Doherty
Co-Set & Costume Designer
Co-Set & Costume Designer
Angela Doherty
Morgan Moroney
Co-Set & Lighting Designer
Co-Set & Lighting Designer
Morgan Moroney
is an award-winning lighting and video designer working across theatre, opera, dance and installation. Growing up on Kaurna land, he currently lives and works primarily on Gadigal land. He brings a distinct multidisciplinary approach to his practice, with a particular fascination for integrated-media live performance.
Hannah Belanszky
Writer
Writer
Hannah Belanszky
(
she/her
)
is a writer, actor and Yuwaalaraay woman based in Sydney. She is the recipient of the 2025 Belnaves Fellowship with the Belvoir St Theatre, which has long been recognised as one of the most prestigious playwriting awards in Australia. Her debut mainstage play DON’T ASK WHAT THE BIRD LOOK LIKE premiered at Queensland Theatre in 2023 and was shortlisted for the 2024 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards.
Abbie-lee Lewis
Director
Director
Abbie-lee Lewis
is a Kalkadoon woman but born on Arrante country and grew up in Western Australia. In 2008 she graduated from the Aboriginal Theatre Course at WAPA. Since moving to Sydney, she has worked with the Bell Shakespeare Company, touring their educational program, The Players. In recent years Abbie-Lee has begun to develop a passion for directing and theatre making.
Nyasha Ogden
Cast
Cast
Nyasha Ogden
Maliyan Blair
Cast
Cast
Maliyan Blair
Ryan Whitworth-Jones
Associate Director
Associate Director
Ryan Whitworth-Jones
(
he/him
)
is a proud Wiradjuri man, award-winning director, producer, and arts leader. Holding a Master of Fine Arts in Directing from NIDA, Ryan has collaborated with prominent companies such as Sydney Theatre Company, Darlinghurst Theatre Company, Moogahlin Performing Arts, Opera Australia, Art Gallery of NSW and NAISDA Dance College. Career highlights include: Director for Fidelio (Opera Australia development), Cloudstreet (Lane Cove Theatre Company, Best Director Nominee); Dramaturg for The Visitors (Sydney Theatre Company); as a Producer, Ryan has earned 2 Imagine awards.
Jane FitzGerald
Dramaturg
Dramaturg
Jane FitzGerald
Angela Doherty
Co-Set & Costume Designer
Co-Set & Costume Designer
Angela Doherty
Morgan Moroney
Co-Set & Lighting Designer
Co-Set & Lighting Designer
Morgan Moroney
is an award-winning lighting and video designer working across theatre, opera, dance and installation. Growing up on Kaurna land, he currently lives and works primarily on Gadigal land. He brings a distinct multidisciplinary approach to his practice, with a particular fascination for integrated-media live performance.
Michael Weir
Composer & Sound Designer
Composer & Sound Designer
Michael Weir
Hannah Belanszky
Writer
Writer
Hannah Belanszky
(
she/her
)
is a writer, actor and Yuwaalaraay woman based in Sydney. She is the recipient of the 2025 Belnaves Fellowship with the Belvoir St Theatre, which has long been recognised as one of the most prestigious playwriting awards in Australia. Her debut mainstage play DON’T ASK WHAT THE BIRD LOOK LIKE premiered at Queensland Theatre in 2023 and was shortlisted for the 2024 NSW Premier’s Literary Awards.
Abbie-lee Lewis
Director
Director
Abbie-lee Lewis
is a Kalkadoon woman but born on Arrante country and grew up in Western Australia. In 2008 she graduated from the Aboriginal Theatre Course at WAPA. Since moving to Sydney, she has worked with the Bell Shakespeare Company, touring their educational program, The Players. In recent years Abbie-Lee has begun to develop a passion for directing and theatre making.
Nyasha Ogden
Cast
Cast
Nyasha Ogden
Maliyan Blair
Cast
Cast
Maliyan Blair
Ryan Whitworth-Jones
Associate Director
Associate Director
Ryan Whitworth-Jones
(
he/him
)
is a proud Wiradjuri man, award-winning director, producer, and arts leader. Holding a Master of Fine Arts in Directing from NIDA, Ryan has collaborated with prominent companies such as Sydney Theatre Company, Darlinghurst Theatre Company, Moogahlin Performing Arts, Opera Australia, Art Gallery of NSW and NAISDA Dance College. Career highlights include: Director for Fidelio (Opera Australia development), Cloudstreet (Lane Cove Theatre Company, Best Director Nominee); Dramaturg for The Visitors (Sydney Theatre Company); as a Producer, Ryan has earned 2 Imagine awards.
Jane FitzGerald
Dramaturg
Dramaturg
Jane FitzGerald
Angela Doherty
Co-Set & Costume Designer
Co-Set & Costume Designer