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PNG, scattered by the wind?
By LUTHER SCAT LAMANG UPNG
Journalism student
Renowned for staging successful plays
such as "Voices from the Ridge" (2006) and "The Witch Daughter"
(2005), the Theatre Arts section of the Melanesian Institute of
Arts and Communication (MIAC) of UPNG is in full swing with
preparations of yet another production, "Scattered by the Wind".
Like previous productions, this one promises a total theatrical
presentation of dance, drama, music and song which will bring out
humor and glamour, as much as artistic excellence.
The play will be used as Theatre Arts' major production for the
2007 academic year.
Directed by Martin Tony and choreographed by Sophie Naime,
Lecturer and Head of the Theatre Arts section, the play promises
the public a great week of theatrical entertainment
Written in 1970, "Scattered by the Wind" is set in the Cape Vogel
or Baniara area of the Milne Bay province during the 1950s to
1970s.
It generally depicts Papua New Guinea's embracement of Western
religious influences (Christianity) and how small cultures go
about balancing those influences from larger cultures with their
own traditional beliefs and norms.
In the play, some confrontation of beliefs and sentiments become
the author's major themes, but these are individualized so much
they lead to some instances of human conflict that are highly
dramatic.
The play is philosophical in nature and also critical on moral
aspects of the society. It reflects certain paradigms where one
becomes unorthodox because of certain outside influences on the
human mind in terms of freedom: freedom of one determining one's
own destiny, freedom of existence and freedom of regeneration or
continuity. Or, generally speaking, the freedom to do things
without being tied down by religious faith and dogma.
Playwright and lecturer in the UPNG Literature and English
Communication, Russell Soaba, who is so humble in nature, yet so
innovative in mind, has constructed the play in such a way that it
has truly captured the PNG audiences of the Christian faith over
the years.
Unlike many other PNG plays, "Scattered by the Wind" has had its
share of criticism. For many Christians the play has been simply
intriguing. Yet it enabled its audiences spanning from the
seventies to the present to test and question their own faith in
Christianity.
"Many people think that the play is anti-Christian," says Mr Soaba.
"Yet, ironically, it is the Christians themselves who find the
play more interesting. It invites them to think and question their
faith in modern day Papua New Guinea."
In the story, two brothers, James and Ben are at loggerheads with
opinion and belief. James who has been to Australia, and acquired
much of whiteman's liberal education, believes that every
individual has the right to choose his or her own destiny. He or
she should live as an individual with the required set of values
and principles of existence.
Ben on the other hand has never been to a formal school, but is a
faithful follower of the faith. He believes and expects everyone
to follow strictly the teachings of the Bible and not to
compromise these with any sentiment of individual will and
freedom.
Subsequently, a clash develops between the two brothers. Ben out
of frustration and envy attempts to rape James's girl, and that in
turn leads to some resounding climax of the drama.
Looked at from another perspective, Martin Tony, who is directing
the play, forms the opinion that "Scattered by the Wind" is a good
interpretation of the Five National Goals and Directive Principles
as stipulated in the Preamble of the Constitution.
Written in 1970, "Scattered by the Wind" has since been performed
many times by various theatre companies and clubs.
It was first performed by the University Drama and Arts Society in
1971 for two weeks at the Waigani campus. By public demand, the
play returned for another week.
In 1972, Sogeri National High School Drama Group performed it for
a week at the same campus and again for several weeks around
schools in the NCD. It became so popular among young audiences
that Sogeri took the play down the same year for a tour of Sydney
and Melbourne.
From 1973 through to Independence, the play took the stage at
various centres around the country, including performances by the
Goroka Teachers College Drama Society. Then after Independence and
for nineteen years, the play went into quiescence.
"During those nineteen years of non-appearance," said Soaba, as we
sat chatting in the comfort of his Kuri Dom office, "the play was
still being performed by various schools here and there but often
it was without my permission. But anyway, I often imagined that
the young people were quite enjoying the play that way."
Then in 1994, the Port Moresby Arts Theatre performed it for one
week under the direction of PNG's film legend, William Takaku.
Recently, a young teacher from Mendi High School, came and
verbally sought permission from the author to produce the play as
part of the school's anniversary celebrations. As it is Soaba's
wont, permission was automatically granted without charge.
"Scattered by the Wind" will open on Friday night, May 18 and run
for a week at the Ulli Beier Auditorium at the UPNG.
The matinee shows will run from May 22 to 25 for schools around
the NCD between 9am and 12 noon.
A forum will be held on the night of the premiere gala show. The
playwright will be there to answer questions raised about the
play.
The theme song will be performed by Profile 2006, a newly formed
ingenious contemporary music group from UPNG's Performing Arts
Discipline.
I would highly recommend this play to city residents, students and
staff of the University community.
It is definitely a never-to-be-missed play for students and staff
of philosophy and literature, and of course the upholders of the
Christian faith.
 
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