Year 11 and 12 Aboriginal Studies students attended a performance of Saplings at the Sydney Opera House on Wednesday 13 May. The production, which centres on young First Nations voices and experiences, offered a powerful and engaging experience that resonated with the students’ studies and personal reflections.
One of the aspects students appreciated most was the cast itself. Featuring young performers, Saplings felt authentic, relatable and immediate. The students said that seeing people close to their own age on stage made the stories more impactful, allowing them to connect deeply with the characters and their journeys. This sense of representation helped bring classroom discussions about identity, culture and community into a vivid, lived context.
The issues explored in the performance also struck a chord. Saplings tackles themes such as belonging, resilience, intergenerational knowledge and the ongoing impacts of colonisation. The show provided a meaningful extension of their coursework, translating key ideas into emotional and personal narratives that deepened their understanding.
Another highlight frequently mentioned in student feedback was the soundtrack. The music added energy and atmosphere, enhancing the emotional tone of each scene while reflecting contemporary Indigenous artistic expression. Students found the soundtrack both engaging and memorable, helping to reinforce the themes of the performance and keeping them connected throughout.
This excursion was a valuable and enjoyable learning experience; combining compelling storytelling, relevant issues and dynamic performances by young actors, the production left a lasting impression on the students – one that will continue to inform their studies and perspectives moving forward.
Thank you to Jade Carr Head of Indigenous Education for organising and leading this enriching excursion, and for continually creating opportunities for students to connect their learning with powerful lived experiences.
