Yong
Written by Jenevieve Chang
Based on the book by Janeen Brian
An Australian work about family, honour and the risks taken in search of a better life. Writer Jenevieve Chang says "it shines a light on Australia’s history, bringing focus to sacrifices and contributions which has helped build the resilient nation we are today."
Illustration: Kim Siew
Set against the backdrop of the Australian Goldrush of 1857, Yong is an Australian play by Jenevieve Chang. Mixing historical fact and narrative fiction, Yong takes us on a journey across land and sea, from China to the goldfields of Australia.
Yong and his father leave their small village and travel across the seas hoping to strike gold and find their fortune in the goldfields of Ballarat. However, despite his family’s desperate need for money, Yong does not want to be on this journey. On the surface, he is an honourable son, but bubbling below is deepening resentment for his father and a longing for home. Faced with momentous change, Yong’s courage and inner strength are tested, and in overcoming difficult challenges, he discovers a resilience in himself that he never knew he had.
Monkey Baa’s Artistic Director Eva Di Cesare has assembled an extraordinary creative team to translate the semi-fictional, historically significant story to the stage. Much more than a period piece, Monkey Baa’s latest offering has been created with the sensibilities of a contemporary young audience at its heart.
The production of Yong is based on ‘Yong: the journey of an unworthy son’ by Janeen Brian, published by Walker Books Australia Pty Ltd, Sydney. Created in collaboration with Her Majesty’s Theatre, Ballarat and Bendigo Venues & Events.
“A sprawling, timeless, coming-of-age story...Innovatively adapted… dynamic, contemporary and poignant.”
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Monkey Baa is Australia’s widest-reaching touring company for young audiences. Over 26 years, the company has conducted over 29 national tours to 135 regional and remote communities across Australia, undertaken 5 international tours, delivered 4,000 performances, and engaged with over 1.5 million young people!
Monkey Baa’s mission is to create, present and share uniquely Australian stories that embrace social and cultural connectivity, celebrate Australia’s rich cultural heritage, challenge and inspire. By touring its award-winning productions and high-quality education programs, the company strives to ensure that young people, wherever they are located and whatever their economic circumstances, have the opportunity to share in fantastic theatre experiences that reflect their own lives.
"Yong is a universally resonant story about a young boy who must learn to step out
of the shadow of other people’s expectations to find himself. It is about what it means
to be a son, what it takes to be a parent, and the push and pull of community."
- Jenevieve Chang, Writer
"Directing Yong is an incredibly personal experience for me. I deeply feel the emotions and truth in Yong and a son who wants to prove himself to his father. ”
touring 2025
Her Majesty's Theatre, Ballarat VIC | Land of the Wadawurrung and Dja Dja Wurrung Peoples
7-8 August | BOOK
Riverlinks Eastbank, Shepparton VIC | Land of the Yorta Yorta People
12 August | BOOK
Bunjil Place, Narre Warren VIC | Land of the Bunurong Boon Wurrung and Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung People
18-19 August | BOOK
The Round, Nunawading VIC | Land of the Wurundjeri-Balluk People
20-21 August | BOOK
Clocktower Centre, Moonee Ponds VIC | Land of the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung People
23 August | BOOK
Bendigo Venues & Events, VIC | Land of the Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung People
26 August | BOOK
Banner image and production images by Tiffany Garvie, featuring Wern Mak from 2022 production.
Touring
August 2025
CREDITS
Writer Jenevieve Chang
Director Darren Yap
Production Designer James Browne
Composer Max Lambert
Lighting Designer Ben Brockman
Movement Director Angie Diaz
Sound Designer Zac Saric
Adaption Consultant Sandie Eldridge
Chinese Cultural Consultant Charles Zhang
First Nations Consultant & writer of the First Nations scene Richard Frankland
Illustration Kim Siew
Cast Alan Zhu
If you are interested in touring get in contact!
Arts on Tour
02 8038 1880
touring@artsontour.com.au
Arts on Tour is based in Redfern NSW and we respectfully acknowledge the Gadigal people as the Traditional Owners and Custodians of the unceded land on which we work.
As we tour artists and productions across these vast lands, we pay our respect to all First Nations Elders, past, present and future.
We celebrate their continuing connection and contribution to culture, country and community, and thank all First Nations peoples for their wisdom in caring for the land, the sky, the rivers and the sea.