Chasing Freedom: Young refugees take the stage to share their journeys

This November, the Seymour Centre in Sydney will host Chasing Freedom, a moving new production by Treehouse Theatre that brings the true stories of young refugees to life on stage. Performed by teenagers who have fled war and persecution, the show is both a powerful healing process for the participants and a unique window into their lived experiences for Australian audiences.

A safe space for storytelling

Treehouse Theatre works closely with students from two Sydney schools — Miller Technology High and Holroyd High — that have intensive English centres for newly arrived refugee students. Director Isaac Owen explains that participants are usually selected during their transition from the intensive classes into mainstream schooling.

“The program is particularly valuable for those who have experienced trauma,” Mr Owen says. “It provides a safe, supportive space for them to share their stories and begin to heal.”

The process begins with trust-building games and sharing happy childhood memories. Only once the group is ready do participants move on to telling their personal accounts of war, loss or displacement. These sessions are designed to feel ceremonial and respectful.

“We set up a circle with candles and flowers, almost like a sacred space,” Mr Owen explains. “It helps them open up in a way that is safe, supported and deeply respectful.”

From trauma to script

As the program progresses, students’ stories are transformed into scripts. “When we shape their memories into a logical sequence of events, it helps shift trauma from the survival part of the brain to the thinking part,” says Mr Owen. “That change can be profound.”

One participant captured this perfectly during a post-show Q&A: “The story no longer controls me. I control the story.”

Healing through performance

In Chasing Freedom, performers present a carefully woven tapestry of childhood joy, harrowing journeys, and the challenges and triumphs of starting anew in Australia. Performing publicly gives them pride.

“Sometimes students feel embarrassed by their story,” Mr Owen says. “But when they hear the audience applaud, when they hear statements like ‘you were so brave’ or ‘you are welcome here’, their story becomes something to be proud of.”

As one cast member reflected after a performance: “When I told my story, I felt lighter. And when people clapped, I knew I was not alone.”

Isaac Owen, Director Of Treehouse Theatre Company, stands in front of a bright mural wall

Treehouse Theatre Director Isaac Owen.

Building resilience and connection

Treehouse Theatre was founded 16 years ago by teacher Ruth Hartcher-O'Brien and counsellor Catherine Maguire-Donvito, who recognised the therapeutic power of storytelling for refugee students. Rooted in trauma recovery principles, their approach helps young people rebuild resilience and identity while strengthening community understanding.

For the young cast, the effects can be transformative. One former student recalled how being part of the program changed his life at school: once bullied, he became celebrated after peers learned his story.

For others, sharing their truth has brought families closer together or inspired them to continue performing and leading in their communities.