THEATRE: Saplings - QPAC, Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP)

Title: Saplings

Presented By: Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC) and Australian Theatre for Young People (ATYP)

Genre: Theatre / Drama

Synopsis: Winner of the 2024 Sydney Theatre Award for Best Production for Young People, Saplings is a powerful, funny and deeply human play drawn from the real stories of young people who have experienced the youth justice system.

Yani wants to go to the Easter Show. Kai is searching for a sense of home. Shanika wants her mum back. Lachlan just wants a bowl of noodles. But when the justice system stands in their way, a bigger question emerges: what happens when the very system meant to support young people keeps holding them back?

Written by Yuwaalaray playwright Hannah Belanszky and featuring original rap and hip-hop created by young people inside the justice system, Saplings is a moving celebration of First Nations creativity, resilience and finding your voice.

Written By: Hannah Belanszky

Performance Dates: 15–18 July 2026

Performance Location and Address: Cremorne Theatre, QPAC, Corner Grey & Melbourne Streets, South Brisbane QLD 4101

Ticket Costs: $49

Ticket Link: https://www.qpac.com.au/whats-on/2026/saplings

Warnings: Coarse language, simulated vaping, simulated violence and use of weapons, haze/smoke, strobe lighting and loud noises

Recommended Age: 14+

Duration: 1 hour 20 minutes (no interval)

Creative Team:

• Director: Abbie-lee Lewis

• Co Set & Costume Designer: Angela Doherty

• Co Set & Lighting Designer: Morgan Moroney

• Composer & Sound Designer: Michael Weir

• Fight Choreographer: Tim Dashwood

Other information: A post-show Artist Q&A will be held following the Wednesday 15 July performance. The production contains references to First Nations people who have passed away. Accessibility services, including Auslan-interpreted performances and accessible seating, are available through QPAC.