So, I was in the shower, thinking about my vision and the White Australia Policy, and for some reason my mind went back to my English speech. My speech was on History and Memory and I chose the movie Rabbit-Proof Fence as my supporting text. As you may know, Rabbit-Proof Fence is about 3 Aboriginal girls. The movie explores the attitude of white men to the Aboriginal people during the 30s. Then THAT brought my mind to the Assimilation Policy. It was officially adopted in 1951. It is because of this policy (and the Aborigines Protection Act) that many generations were stolen from the Aborigines.
Perhaps this is what I need to focus on. Racism - as a whole, then focus on Australia, then down to the 'White Australia' attitude, and then focus on something more particular - not just the stolen generation, but more importantly, how the Assimilation Policy AND the Integration Policy were abolished and replaced with multiculturalism (Yes! Victory!).
Probably, being specific will help me to choose particularly suitable 'stuff' (costumes, lighting, set, etc) for my production. This is good! Because now I know that it will be in a period between 1951 and 1972 (I will most likely be closer to the latter). As for casting, the actor playing Berenger will be of Aboriginal decent. Wouldn't it be controversial for a black man to have a crush on a white woman?
If an Aboriginal man properly assimilated into white society then he was given more privileges (or rights, depending on your view) such as better jobs and education. Which would make sense, since Berenger works in an office. Berenger, at the beginning of the play, tells Jean that he doesn't feel like he fits in or if life even really exists. Many assimilated Aboriginals felt similar to how Berenger feels - not so much the latter, but more so the feeling of alienation and not-belonging to the white society. So having an Aboriginal play Berenger would work really well.
Anyway, time for bed!
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