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Book by Nora Vagi Brash
The central conflict arises from the tension between traditional cultural values and the rapid modernization of Papua New Guinean society. The protagonist in each play navigates the shifting landscape of post-colonial identity, often facing opposition from entrenched social hierarchies, bureaucratic indifference, or the internal struggle to reconcile ancestral heritage with contemporary expectations. These narratives utilize a dramatic framework to expose the friction between individual ambition and communal obligation. The world is defined by the physical reality of urban and rural settings in Papua New Guinea, where logical constraints are dictated by both customary law and the encroaching influence of globalized systems.
Discussion often centers on Brash's ability to capture the specific nuances of the Papua New Guinean experience through a sharp, critical lens. Readers frequently highlight the accessibility of her prose, which balances serious social critique with moments of humor and irony. The pacing of these plays is noted for its directness, allowing the central themes to emerge clearly through the interactions of the characters. Critics often point to the collection as a significant contribution to Pacific literature, noting its effectiveness in documenting a period of intense social transition. The work remains a primary reference for those interested in how drama can serve as a vehicle for national self-reflection.
Page Count:
145
Publication Date:
1996-01-01
Publisher:
Oxford Pacific Writers
ISBN-10:
0195539583
ISBN-13:
9780195539585
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