Saplings
Stories from the law and justice system
“I wasn’t there because I wanted to be—I was there because I had to be. If Josh hadn’t eaten my noodles, I wouldn’t be here…”
Would you break bail for a packet of Mi Goreng? Snitch on a mate to save yourself? In Saplings, small choices spiral into life-changing consequences. Yani wants to go to the Easter Show, Kai wants a sense of home, Shanika wants her mum back, and Lachlan just wants his noodles—but when the justice system stands in their way, growing up gets a whole lot harder.
After winning the Sydney Theatre Award for Best Production for Young People, Saplings returns to Sydney. Written by Hannah Belanszky and directed by Abbie-lee Lewis, this powerful, funny and heartbreaking production is drawn from workshops with young people in the youth justice system. Four young actors play multiple roles in a poetic, raw show set to a rap and hip-hop soundtrack created by young people themselves.
Honest, moving and unforgettable, Saplings celebrates First Nations creativity and the resilience of young people.
For ages 14+
Sydney Opera House presents an ATYP production
16-17 May 2026
