No Sugar facts for kids

No Sugar is a play by an Aboriginal Australian writer named Jack Davis. It tells the story of an Aboriginal family, the Millimurras. The play is set in Australia during the Great Depression (a time when many people had no jobs). It takes place in places like Northam, Western Australia, the Moore River Native Settlement, and Perth. The story shows how the family tries to survive during these tough times.

What the Play is About

No Sugar explores important ideas about how Aboriginal people were treated in Australia. This was in the 1920s and 1930s, when a white government made many rules for them. The play highlights how Aboriginal people faced unfair treatment and had less power. It also shows how some white Australians cared a lot about money and possessions. A key message is the strong value of family among Aboriginal people.

When and Where the Play Was First Performed

The play No Sugar was first shown to an audience on February 18, 1985. It was performed by the Playhouse Company for the Festival of Perth. The play was also chosen to be part of Expo 86 in Canada.

No Sugar is the first part of a series of three plays called the First Born Trilogy. The other plays are The Dreamers and Barungin (Smell the Wind). All three plays were first performed together in May 1988 by the Melbourne Theatre Company.

The play has won important awards. It received the 1987 Western Australian Premiers Award. In 1992, it won the Kate Challis RAKA Award for Indigenous Playwrights.

How the Play is Structured

No Sugar uses a special technique called the "perambulant model." This means the play moves between different scenes and focuses on different characters. It helps the audience feel a bit disoriented, like the Aboriginal people in the play. This feeling shows how Aboriginal people felt isolated and struggled to fit into white Australian culture.

Main Characters in the Play

Here are some of the important characters you will meet in No Sugar:

• Jimmy Munday: He is the main character of the play.
• Gran Munday: Jimmy's mother, who follows traditional Aboriginal ways.
• Milly Millimurra: Jimmy's sister, who has three children.
• Sam Millimurra: Milly's husband.
• Joe Millimurra: Milly's oldest son and Mary's love interest.
• Cissie Millimurra: Milly's daughter.
• David Millimurra: Milly's youngest son.
• A. O. Neville: He was the Chief Protector of Aborigines, a powerful government official.
• Miss Dunn: His secretary.
• Mr Neal: The Superintendent (manager) of the Moore River Native Settlement. He treated Indigenous people unfairly.
• Matron Neal: His wife and the head nurse at the hospital in the settlement.
• Sister Eileen: A Catholic missionary.
• Sergeant Carrol: A police sergeant from Northam.
• Constable Kerr: A police officer from Northam.
• Frank Brown: A farmer who has no job and becomes friends with Jimmy Munday.
• Mary Dargurru: Joe's love interest. She is an outspoken girl who faces unfair treatment from Mr Neal. She works for the Matron at the settlement.
• Billy Kimberley: A Black tracker, an Aboriginal person who works for Mr Neal.
• Bluey: Another Black tracker.
• Topsy: Mary's friend, who is often quiet and follows instructions. She also works for the Matron.
• Justice of the Peace: A farmer who makes decisions in court cases, including those involving Frank Brown, Jimmy, and Sam.