Getting Along a Piece of Stuff by Telia (Telia Neville) When Daniel Defoe's Robinson Crusoe was shipwrecked he claimed the island as his own, and the 'savage' he found became his manservant, Friday. This classic tale echoes the events following the white settlement of Australia, when the country was claimed as a terra nulius (empty land) and the settlers set about trying to educate the natives they discovered. But the history and literature we1ve been brought up on only present the Western view ä what of the savages'? British poet Adrian Mitchell has re-examined the story of Robinson Crusoe and written the play Man Friday to illustrate the experiences and perceptions of the friendly, not-so-savage Friday. The story explores the different cultures of the two people, highlighting the issue of intercultural communication. The relationship between the two protagonists begins on an unequal footing, as Crusoe 'claims' Friday and sets about educating him using his gun to enforce his assumed authority. Friday however, tries to cure Crusoe's 'sick' mind through friendship and respect. Crusoe is not portrayed as a savage, simply a well meaning man who is blinded by his ignorance and his ethnocentric, close-minded approach to a new culture. Throughout the play the audience are included in the story as members of Friday's tribe, hearing his experiences with Crusoe and his interpretation of the alien concepts and sometimes contradictory beliefs Crusoe introduces. The play takes on the air of a modern-day fable, highlighting as it does the need for sensitivity, humility and openness in relations between cultures. With the Howard Government's Native Title Amendment Bill currently before the Senate, Man Friday is a topical look at the Western imperialism that has affected indigenous peoples all over the world. It takes a non-threatening approach to a topic that1s currently dividing this country, showing a side of history that isn1t included in the history books. For there to be any kind of reconciliation between Aborigines and Western society, or between any two peoples, both parties must be willing to open their minds and acknowledge the worth of each other1s cultures and beliefs. As Friday shows us, misinterpretations between cultures are bound to happen, but no agreements can be reached without a mutual basis of respect. Man Friday will be performed by Phil Roberts and Adam McConvell for The Acting Company as a benefit for Australians for Native Title and Reconciliation at the Ralph Wilson Theatre, Gorman House, on December 18 and 20. The play will also be shown at the 1998 Multicultural Festival, before traveling to the Adelaide Fringe Festival. Created on Sat, 29 Nov 1997 and last modified on Fri, 27 Feb 1998.

LOUDonline - http://www.loud.net.au - Wed, 8 Jul 1998