Stolen (play) facts for kids
"Stolen" is a powerful play by Australian writer Jane Harrison. It tells the stories of five Indigenous Australian people. The play shows how their lives were affected by being taken from their families by the Australian government. This happened to many Indigenous children in the past.
Contents
The Story of "Stolen"
The play "Stolen" follows five Aboriginal children: Sandy, Ruby, Jimmy, Anne, and Shirley. Each character's story shows a different experience of being removed from their families.
Sandy's Journey
Sandy has spent his whole life moving around. He never had a stable home. The play shows his search for a place where he can feel safe. He wants a place he can truly call home, even though the government is no longer looking for him.
Ruby's Struggles
Ruby was made to work in homes from a very young age. She faced many difficulties and became very troubled. Later in the play, she often talks to herself. Her family tries very hard to help her feel better.
Jimmy's Search
Jimmy was separated from his mother when he was very young. His mother spent her entire life trying to find him. Jimmy spent time in institutions. He was told his mother had passed away, and letters from her were hidden from him. On the day he was finally free, he learned his mother had been looking for him. Sadly, as he went to meet her, both he and his mother passed away.
Anne's New Home
Anne was taken from her family and placed with a white family. She had a comfortable life there. In some ways, she was happier than many of the other characters in the play.
Shirley's Hope
Shirley was taken from her parents. Later, her own children were also taken from her. She finally felt safe and happy when her granddaughter was born. This time, her granddaughter was not taken away.
How the Play Is Written
The play "Stolen" tells the stories of the five characters. It shows them both as children and as adults. The play moves back and forth through time without warning. It also changes locations very quickly. For example, one scene might show the children in a schoolyard. The next scene might show an adult alone in their room. This style makes the play feel like a memory. Each scene is connected by a thought, not by time order. Because of these unique elements, "Stolen" is a popular play in Australian high schools.
Original Cast and Crew
"Stolen" was first performed in Melbourne, Australia. The first show was on October 21, 1998. Here are some of the people who helped create it:
- Anne - Tammy Anderson
- Ruby - Kylie Belling
- Jimmy - Tony Briggs
- Shirley - Pauline Whyman
- Sandy - Stan Yarramunua
- Director - Wesley Enoch
- Designer - Richard Roberts
- Lighting Designer - Matt Scott
- Composer - David Chesworth
The five main actors also played other small parts in the play.
Where "Stolen" Has Toured
"Stolen" has been performed all over Australia. It played in Melbourne for seven years, starting in 1998. It also toured to Sydney, Adelaide, and many places in Victoria and Tasmania. The play even traveled to other countries. It was performed in the UK, Hong Kong, and Tokyo. Readings of the play were also done in Canada and New York City.
See also
