Jane Harrison – Stolen
Jane Harrison’s play Stolen (1998) is a powerful dramatization of the experiences of the Stolen Generations—Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children forcibly removed from their families by Australian government policies. The play follows the fragmented, painful and sometimes hopeful stories of five Indigenous characters: Ruby, Jimmy, Anne, Shirley and Sandy.
Stolen is an episodic play made up of short scenes, monologues, snapshots, memories and symbolic sequences. These scenes highlight the trauma of loss, cultural disconnection and survival.
Summary of the Play
The play does not follow a traditional linear plot. Instead, it presents pieces of each character’s life—before removal, during institutionalisation, and after adulthood. These fragmented scenes reflect the broken identities created by removal policies.
1. Introduction – The Five Children
The play begins by introducing the five characters as children in a government institution. Each child represents a different experience of the Stolen Generations:
- Ruby – abuse, mental trauma, silence
- Jimmy – search for family, anger, tragedy
- Anne – fostered by a white family, identity conflict
- Shirley – a mother searching for her stolen children
- Sandy – constantly running, rootless, longing for belonging
2. Ruby – Trauma, Abuse & Silence
Ruby’s scenes reveal a life marked by exploitation and sexual abuse. Having been removed repeatedly, she loses her voice and identity. Her mental breakdown symbolises the long-term psychological harm caused by removal.
3. Jimmy – Anger, Lost Family & Tragic End
Jimmy is constantly punished in the institution and grows up with anger and frustration. He spends years searching for his mother, not knowing she is looking for him too. When he finally learns she loved him, it is too late—she has already died. Overwhelmed by grief, Jimmy takes his own life.
4. Anne – Raised by a White Family
Anne is adopted by a white middle-class family. She receives education and comfort, but loses connection to her Aboriginal identity. She struggles with:
- cultural confusion
- identity crisis
- racial prejudice even within her adoptive world
Anne’s story shows that material comfort does not compensate for the loss of heritage.
5. Shirley – A Mother Searching for Her Children
Shirley represents the mothers of the Stolen Generations. Her children are taken by the Welfare Board, and she spends her life trying to find them. Her grief reflects an entire generation of Indigenous parents whose families were broken.
6. Sandy – Running from Place to Place
Sandy spends his life drifting between institutions, homes and streets. He never feels safe or wanted. He dreams of a place where he belongs. His story highlights homelessness, institutional neglect and longing for identity.
7. Final Scenes – Healing & Pain
The characters reflect on their lives as adults. Some find moments of healing; others remain scarred. They share their stories to reclaim identity and voice.
The play ends with a powerful plea for recognition, truth and reconciliation.
Major Characters
- Ruby – emotionally and mentally traumatised; symbolic of stolen innocence.
- Jimmy – angry, rebellious; dies tragically.
- Anne – adopted, culturally confused.
- Shirley – a grieving mother searching for her lost children.
- Sandy – rootless wanderer longing for belonging.
Major Themes
- Stolen Generations – forced removal of Indigenous children.
- Identity Loss – separation destroys cultural connection.
- Racism & Government Control – institutions dehumanise Indigenous people.
- Family & Separation – emotional devastation of broken families.
- Trauma & Survival – long-term psychological effects.
- Voice & Memory – reclaiming Indigenous stories.
Symbols
- The Institution – symbol of government control and assimilation.
- Flashbacks – fragmented identity and trauma.
- Files / Welfare Documents – bureaucratic erasure of humanity.
- Silence – loss of voice, suppression of Indigenous stories.
Critical Analysis
- Harrison gives voice to those erased from history.
- The episodic structure mirrors fractured Indigenous lives.
- The play blends realism, testimony and symbolism.
- It exposes systemic violence, not individual cruelty.
- Each character represents a different outcome of the Stolen Generation.
- The ending calls for justice, healing and national responsibility.
Quick Revision Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Author | Jane Harrison |
| Play | Stolen (1998) |
| Structure | Episodic, non-linear, multiple perspectives |
| Main Themes | Stolen Generations, identity, trauma, racism, family |
| Setting | Institutions, foster homes, streets of Australia |
| Key Message | The forced removal of Indigenous children caused lifelong suffering; truth must be heard for healing to begin. |
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