The Dreamers is a play written by Jack Davis, set in Western Australia.[1] He wrote the play to influence public opinion and bring about improvement in Aboriginal Australians' lives.[2]
Characters
editThe play features the following characters:
- Worru - an old Aboriginal man
- Dolly - Worru's niece
- Meena - Dolly's daughter(age 14)
- Shane - Dolly's son(age 12)
- Roy - Dolly's husband
- Eli - a cousin
- Peter - Dolly's son (age 18)
- Darren - a white boy, (age 12 approx.)
Plot
editThe play is about how Aboriginal family, the Wallitches, go through everyday life. The story takes place over a period of six months in the home of the family.[1]
The play maintains an elegiac tone throughout for a tribal past, for a people one physically and spiritually in harmony with their world. [citation needed]
Performances
editIt was first performed on 2 February 1982 by the Swan River Stage Company at the Dolphin Theatre in Perth.[1] Although first performed in 1982, the play is contemporary and can be understood in a current context. The play continues to be restaged by a range of companies, particularly companies with an indigenous focus.[3]
References
edit- ^ a b c "The Dreamers (play extract)". Australian Plays. Retrieved 20 December 2015.
- ^ Hallett, Bryce. "Dreamers open our eyes to a harsh reality". Sydney Morning Herald. Retrieved 20 December 2015.
- ^ Ryan, Simon; Ryan, Delyse. "The Dreamers". Australian Catholic University. Retrieved 20 December 2015.