Riverlinks presents YONG A Monkey Baa Theatre Company production
Based on the book by Janeen Brian
Written by Jenevieve Chang
Part of the 2025 education series

When: Tuesday 12th of August, 2025, at 10:30am
Where: Riverlinks Eastbank, 70 Welsford Street Shepparton
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Cost: Full $15.50
Group (6+) $13.50
Student $13.50
Riverlink Member $13.00
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Contact: Riverlinks Box Office: 03 5832 9511

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.

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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

Warning: Contains themes of parental death, racism, and simulated violence. We recommend schools consider these themes when deciding if the content is suitable for their students.

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
Adaptation Consultant: Sandie Eldridge
Chinese Cultural Consultant: Charles Zhang
First Nations Consultant & writer of the First Nations scene: Richard Frankland
Illustration: Kim Siew