Cirrus@Austlit

Having examined the origins of Black drama in Chapter Six, in this chapter, Shoemaker explores the distinctive elements of writing produced by Aboriginal dramatists. The work of these writers is briefly contrasted to the work of selected White Australian playwrights in order to highlight the contribution of Black Australian dramatists to the Aboriginal movement, to the formulation of the concept of Aboriginality and to the enrichment of Australian literature as a whole. Important aspects of Aboriginality are explored such as endurance, pride, protests, poverty, sorrow, anger and humour. The distinctive Black Australian approach to humour is given particular attention. The works of Kevin Gilbert, Gerry Bostock, Jack Davis and Thomas Keneally are discussed.