Jack Davis sets his play “No sugar” in early twentieth century Australia exploring the struggles Aboriginal people faced during a time where racial discrimination and dispossession were prevalent. The play depicts the strength of the Millimurra and Munday family through their support of one another. Furthermore, this sense of family is highlighted through the racism that they are confronted with. However, ‘No Sugar’ is not simply just about family or racism, but also about the native peoples’ connection with their land. Davis aims to demonstrate to his audience that through the support of loved ones, an individual will be empowered to face the challenges present around them.
The characterizations of the families’ strengths are further emphasized
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Due to how the play was set in 1920’s Australia, racism, segregation and oppression were obvious depicted, but what really set this play into perspective was the love between the Aboriginals and their land. Ever since the Europeans settlers came to Australia, English automatically became something all aboriginals had to learn, Davis however uses Nyoognah language “wetjala”, “cooh”, throughout the play, this pivots the play’s center of attention towards the love for their aboriginal roots. Jimmy Munday’s dance the “karra” was a traditional aboriginal dance passed down generations. The correct naming of tools such as “corroboree”, “wilgi”, “inji sticks” used within the stage directions, instead of using a English translation, strongly comments on how Davis shows the love indigenous Australians have for their land. Without these aspects this play will lose all of it’s impact, as a result the connection between the indigenous community and their land is no doubt what this play is emphasizing on.
Jack Davis “No sugar” is a play that highlights the themes of racism, family and Australian history. The strength of family brought forward due to the circumstances of oppression and racism, and their undying love for their land is what creates No