No More Sugar No More Tea

This performance is an original folk opera based on the real-life events of the ancestors of writer and performer Richard Frankland. The story of the colonial policies that dispossessed and discriminated against First Nations people is confronting. The songs, some of which are based on letters written to soldier husbands, reveal how the contribution of Indigenous people to Australian society has largely been ignored. The songs acknowledge their important role in the protection and development of Australian society and the narratives are often poignant and heartbreaking.

The lyrics have a beautiful musical accompaniment characterised by sweet and soft tunes. While the stories are confronting they are told with a spirit of optimism and reconciliation, rather than anger or bitterness. This is also reflected in the beautiful melodies that have been composed for this performance.

The extremely talented musicians and vocalists bring these stories to life in a highly emotionally charged manner. The haunting and powerful voice of the accomplished opera singer, Shauntai Batzke, conveys an intensity that is extremely moving. The rawness of the voices of the fellow vocalists contrasts Batzke’s smoothness and this gives great vocal dimension to the performance, helping to make it simultaneously stirring and uplifting.

The show is a selection of songs from Act 3, which is part of a larger project in development. These songs and stories give voice to an often-silenced and shameful colonial past. It is difficult to walk away from this show without wanting to experience more of the delicate and sensitive manner in which these harsh truths are delivered.

Patricia Di Risio 

Photographer: Yunis Tmeizeh