Abstract:
This present paper examines the shattered lives of the indigenous Noongar people through the character of Bobby, exploring the history and culture of Australian Aboriginals while delving into the complex relationship between Aboriginal communities and white settlers in Kim Scott’s That Deadman Dance. It also highlights the emotional and psychological trauma faced by aboriginal families, particularly the separation of children from their parents, leading to long-term feelings of hopelessness and fragmentation. Scott portrays the loss and dispossession of the aboriginal culture through his characters; providing poignant insights into their deep connection to the land and its beauty. Bobby, a street dancer, serves as a mediator between the aboriginals and the white settlers, who, while initially seen as guests; ultimately disrupt and displace the aboriginal life. The paper further explores how the settlers dismantle the rich cultural traditions of dance, environmental connection, and livelihood, while also suppressing the collective voice of aboriginal people in their own homeland.
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