These are the stories of Australian kids navigating the justice system right now

A playwright spent a year talking to kids in youth centres and juvenile detention. Her new work brings their stories – and their inner lives – to life

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When Hannah Belanszky arrived at Midjuburi Youth Resource Centre in Marrickville in early 2023, she brought drama games and conversation starters, and a keen desire to know more about the young people – particularly at-risk teens – for whom it was a second home. Instead, the 28-year-old Yuwaalaraay playwright was plunged into a chaotic, boisterous environment, with loud music and “balls flying everywhere”.

“It’s really funny, because we had all these plans – and within minutes it was very clear that all that was going out the window.” Instead, she and the teens ate pizza and hung out and chatted.