Stolen, written by Jane Harrison, is a play that addresses the issue of the Stolen Generations, a dark period in Australian history during which Indigenous children were forcibly removed from their families and communities by the government and placed in foster care or institutions. The play tells the story of five Indigenous characters and their experiences of being taken from their families, the impact on their lives, and the ongoing legacy of this trauma.
One of the main themes in Stolen is the loss of culture and identity that the Stolen Generations experienced. The characters in the play are unable to connect with their Indigenous heritage and are denied the opportunity to learn about their culture and traditions. This loss of cultural identity has a profound impact on the characters, who struggle with feelings of alienation and disconnection from their community.
Another theme in the play is the intergenerational trauma caused by the Stolen Generations. The characters in Stolen are not only affected by their own experiences of being taken from their families, but also by the trauma that has been passed down through their families and communities. This trauma is evident in the characters' relationships with each other and with the wider world, and it is clear that it has had a lasting impact on their sense of self and their ability to form healthy relationships.
Despite the difficult themes and subject matter, Stolen is ultimately a hopeful play. It highlights the resilience and strength of the Indigenous community and the importance of acknowledging and addressing the wrongs of the past in order to move forward and heal. The play ends with the characters finding a sense of hope and healing through their connections with each other and their shared cultural heritage.
Overall, Stolen is a powerful and moving play that brings attention to the injustice of the Stolen Generations and the ongoing impact it has on Indigenous communities. It serves as an important reminder of the need to acknowledge and address the wrongs of the past in order to create a more just and equitable society.
Stolen by Jane Harrison
The smell of Phenol wafts out to the audience. Stolen tells the story of five Aboriginal children, who go by the names of Sandy, Ruby, Jimmy, Anne, and Shirley. Because of that, many children were told they were unwanted, rejected or their parents were dead, when this was not true. Stolen toured extensively throughout Australia. If a character from the play were to live in your house, how do you think that they would fit in? We jumped on our mothers' backs, crying, trying not to be left behind. Shirley, a stolen child who later, as an adult, had her children stolen, was eventually able to reconnect family ties by establishing relationships with her grandchildren. And a good upbringing… P.
Jane Harrison, Stolen
When she was small. When he was decently to run into her. It is not, however, only the material that draws us to this play. Every individual has their ain function to play in this society. Choose one of the words from the list above or think of your own. Finally, there is Tea Cake, whom she deeply cares for, but treats her poorly in such a way as to control Janie.
“Stolen” by Jane Harrison Sample Essay Example
As a whole group discuss and add to your list. He puts the suitcase under the bed. FOR DISCUSSION Read the reunion scene on pages 30-31. Complete this sentence: As far as figures go, the 1994 Australian Bureau of Statistics ABS survey found that …… 10. Although the song does not provide grim details of the incredible embarrassment of slave labour, Roach strongly focuses on the heartless taking of the children into a surrounding, where they could not ask themselves the basic belonging questions such as, who am I? Improvise a scene which occurs before the dialogue begins at the bus stop.
[PDF] Stolen by Jane Harrison eBook
Discuss these findings with the class. What was the level or standard of education for Indigenous children inside the institutions? More elaborate notes are provided in lessons as part of my private tutoring business. Reconciliation is an ongoing process, promoting equity across Australia and social justice for Australia's Indigenous peoples. As the Western Australian Protector of Aborigines, A. The play has made a difference in commencing to address the problem of the right of all children to be with their families, which renders the real meaning of having a home and an identity as people.
Stolen (play)
How would your character experience significant moments from life? Always imagine that the person reading your work cannot see. It has since played annually in Australia and on tour to the UK, Hong Kong and Tokyo. Find 3 examples where Cultural superiority is displayed by the characters. Include any cultural, political and social issues and any element of Australian identity. What were the major points made in his speech about our history? Many children were told they were unwanted, rejected or their parents were dead, when this was not true. Stolen is an exciting play to work on because it affords a Director so much choice in playing with Dramatic techniques but for this reading you as the audience will only experience a taste of these possibilities. Discuss the use of time in relation to the twenty six presents NANCY takes from out of the box and how this affects the next moment when she dies.
Harrison’s Stolen: Addressing Aboriginal and Indigenous Islanders Human Rights
It is estimated that 100,000 Indigenous People have been affected by the removal of children. Find other examples in the play that speak of Cultural Superiority 3. It is based upon the lives of five indigenous people who dealt with the issues for forceful removal by the Australian government. Most children started school at the age of eight at grade one with no preschool, attending school for an average of six years, often leaving school at the age of fourteen. What were the major findings of this report? Then she went on. The institutional iron beds lack individuality, represent conformity and rigidity and an authoritarian environment. This removal policy had the power to remove Aboriginal children without any parental consent or a court order.
