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Yong – A Thoughtful and Visually Imaginative One-Man Show
Staged in the Arts Centre Melbourne’s The Show Room, Yong is a new Australian play by Jenevieve Chang, adapted from the novel Yong: The Journey of an Unworthy Son by Janeen Brian. While the story is fictional, it’s grounded in real history and sensitively explores themes of migration, cultural identity, and resilience.
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Brought to life by Monkey Baa Theatre Company, this one-man production follows Yong, a young Chinese boy who journeys to Australia in 1857 with his father, trekking across unfamiliar terrain toward the Ballarat goldfields.
Alan Zhu delivers a standout performance, shifting seamlessly between characters with great energy and nuance. His comedic timing draws laughter throughout, especially in scenes where Yong’s teenage stubbornness comes through — a reminder that certain experiences transcend cultural boundaries. In quieter, more heartbreaking moments, Alan conveys Yong’s grief, fear, frustration, and emerging sense of self with care and emotional depth.
Darren Yap’s direction makes excellent use of James Browne’s minimal but imaginative set — a collection of timber, bamboo, fabric and baskets that fluidly transforms from a rural Chinese village to the Australian bush.
Everyday objects are repurposed with cleverness: a spinning wheel becomes a cart; timber ladders evoke rocky landscapes. Visual storytelling is enhanced through projections that bring to life shadowy campfires, vivid downpours, and childhood memories, supported by atmospheric lighting, traditional Chinese music, and Mandarin voiceovers.
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Monkey Baa Theatre Company has long excelled at engaging young audiences, and Yong — suitable for ages 10+ — is no exception. The student group in front of me was completely absorbed, with one child remarking they felt “transported into the story.” That sense of immersion is a testament to the production’s thoughtful pacing and ability to tackle challenging themes — racism, loss, courage — with accessible storytelling and gentle humour.
At just 60 minutes with no interval, Yong doesn’t rely on showy presentation but its sincerity and smart staging leave a lasting impression. As the show tours across Victoria, it’s a powerful choice for families and school groups — especially those with children in Grade 5 and up. It invites reflection, builds empathy, and reminds audiences of the quiet strength found in resilience.
Young is playing at the Arts Centre The Show Room from 30 July – 2 August 2025. Prices range from $20 – $39. Book Tickets.
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About the Author
Laura Washington is a performing arts educator and theatre enthusiast. She enjoys exploring plays and musicals through thoughtful analysis and sharing her insights with young audiences. As a contributor to Kiddiehood, Laura reviews theatre productions alongside her two children, highlighting performances that resonate with her kids and spark conversation about storytelling, creativity, and life lessons.
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We try our best to provide accurate information on kid-friendly events around Victoria but do recommend parents check details directly to confirm dates, times, prices as some details may be subject to change.
