No Sugar by
Includes a literary overview of white perceptions of Aboriginal people, and Aboriginal perceptions of themselves, with examples from authors, playwrights, and actors; provides a general historical background of the Aboriginal people and specific information about Jack Davis, A.O. Neville Chief Protector of Aborigines, and Sir James Mitchell Premier of Western Australia; studies the play scene by scene and then discusses themes, characterisation and language, and technique.
Stolen Girl by
Stolen Girl is a fictionalised account of the now universally known story of the Stolen Generation and tells of an Aboriginal girl taken from her family and sent to a children's home. Each night she sings, and dreams of her mother and the life they once shared - of sitting on the verandah of their corrugated-iron home, cooking damper and hunting goanna. But each morning she is woken by the bell to the harsh reality of the children's home, until finally one day she puts into action her carefully crafted plan - unlocking the door and taking her first step back toward home. Stolen Girl gives young readers an insight into the life of a child taken away from everything they know into an alien world without love. It captures the depth of emotion that was felt by thousands of Australians during this dark chapter in the nation's history.
Stories of the Stolen Generations by
Many Indigenous children were forcibly taken from their homes and families during the 1900s. This is a sad and shameful part of Australia's history. Here are the stories of six members of the stolen generations, stories of sadness and loss, but also of great courage and creativity.
Contemporary Indigenous Plays by
Five plays from around the country that illustrate the rich tradition of Indigenous storytelling as it flourishes in contemporary theatre. 'Each play is a durable, resilient stone that both builds upon Indigenous traditions but also lays the foundation for the generations that will follow.' -- Professor Larissa Behrendt, from her introduction.Bitin' Back by Vivienne Cleven is adapted from her award-winning novel of the same name. 'This is a zany and uproarious black farce' -- National Indigenous TimesBlack Medea by Wesley Enoch is a richly poetic adaptation of Euripides' Medea that blends the cultures of Ancient Greek and indigenous storytelling to weave a bold and breathtaking commentary on contemporary experience.King Hit by David Milroy and Geoffrey Narkle strikes at the very heart of the Stolen Generations, exploring the impact on an individual and a culture when relationships are brutally broken.Rainbow's End by Jane Harrison is set in the 1950s on the fringe of a country town. This is a thought-provoking and emotionally powerful snapshot of a Koori family that dramatises the struggle for decent housing, meaningful education, jobs and community acceptance.Windmill Baby by David Milroy: Set on an abandoned cattle station in the Kimberley landscape, this one-woman play combines the poetry of a campfire story with the comedy of a great yarn.
Black Cockatoo by
Summary: Black Cockatoo is a vignette that follows Mia, a young Aboriginal girl as she explores the fragile connections of family and culture. Mia is a 13-year-old girl from a remote community in the Kimberley. She is saddened by the loss of her brother as he distances himself from the family. She feels powerless to change the things she sees around her -- until one day she rescues her totem animal, the dirran black cockatoo, and soon discovers her own inner strength. A small tale on the power of standing up for yourself, culture and ever-present family ties.
