Monkey Baa’s powerful one-man show explores identity, resilience, and migration, debuting at Arts Centre Melbourne from 30 July
Set against the dramatic backdrop of the Australian Goldrush in 1857, Yong is a stirring new theatrical production that brings Chinese-Australian history vividly to life. Adapted for the stage by acclaimed playwright Jenevieve Chang from Janeen Brian’s novel Yong: The Journey of an Unworthy Son, the production begins its Victorian tour at Arts Centre Melbourne from 30 July to 4 August.
Produced by Australia’s leading theatre company for young audiences, Monkey Baa, Yong tells the powerful story of a 13-year-old boy from provincial China forced by his father to travel to the goldfields of Ballarat in the hope of securing the family’s future. Actor Alan Zhu delivers a masterful solo performance, portraying a range of characters with nuance and emotional depth.
Though set in the 1850s, Yong is anything but a traditional period piece. The production speaks directly to contemporary audiences, offering a richly layered coming-of-age tale that explores themes of identity, obligation, and belonging. Yong’s physical journey across oceans is matched by an emotional one as he struggles with resentment, fear, and ultimately, the discovery of his own strength and resilience.
“I’ve never really told a story this close to my heart and my DNA,” says director Darren Yap, who describes Yong as “a love letter to his father.” Writer Jenevieve Chang adds, “It’s a universally resonant story about stepping out from under the weight of expectation to find your own path. Yong’s experience echoes across generations, especially in migrant communities.”
With evocative design by James Browne, movement by Angie Diaz, original music by Max Lambert (featuring local Ballarat voices), and immersive sound and lighting by Zac Saric and Ben Brockman, the production transports audiences across time and place—from a small Chinese village to the goldfields of colonial Victoria.
This Victorian tour is supported by Playing Australia through Creative Australia and Ed Federman. The original work was developed with assistance from RISE, Creative Australia, Her Majesty’s Theatre Ballarat, and Bendigo Venues & Events. Monkey Baa is proudly supported by the NSW Government through Create NSW.
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