I’ve recently completed reading the
1960 play ‘The Shifting Heart’. I feel that the author, Richard Beynon wrote
this to give us his insightful views into the world of racism and the affect it
can have on its victims. The play is set in 1956 Collingwood, Melbourne and is
centred on a lower class Italian immigrant family. The plot and controversial
issues unfold around the main characters The Bianchis, the Italian immigrant
family learning how to adjust to the Australian lifestyle that are the
foundation of the play, Clarry, the stubborn and controlling husband of the Bianchis’
daughter Maria. Also Sergeant Lukie (a nosey and not to mention biased
detective) and finally what play isn’t complete without victims of domestic
violence so we can’t forget the oh-so pleasant married couple, the neighbours
Leila and Donny Pratt.
Racism
During the 50’s and 60’s the face of Australia dramatically changed thanks to the impact of post –war Immigration and most of the occupants fleeing their countries in search of a better life were either English, Italian or German. ‘The Shifting Heart’ focuses on a lower class Italian immigrant family and their day to day struggles with racism. Elements of racism that the Bianchis were faced with came under things such as name calling, where Momma Bianchi would be teased and taunted with the nick name “Mama Macaroni” whenever she left the house. This is a subtle and seemingly innocent side to racism but as the play progresses the ugly side of racism is revealed. The strong themes of racism and the impacts it can have on a family are shown the sudden death of the Bianchis son, Gino due to a violent fight at a Christmas Eve dance shatters the family.
During the 50’s and 60’s the face of Australia dramatically changed thanks to the impact of post –war Immigration and most of the occupants fleeing their countries in search of a better life were either English, Italian or German. ‘The Shifting Heart’ focuses on a lower class Italian immigrant family and their day to day struggles with racism. Elements of racism that the Bianchis were faced with came under things such as name calling, where Momma Bianchi would be teased and taunted with the nick name “Mama Macaroni” whenever she left the house. This is a subtle and seemingly innocent side to racism but as the play progresses the ugly side of racism is revealed. The strong themes of racism and the impacts it can have on a family are shown the sudden death of the Bianchis son, Gino due to a violent fight at a Christmas Eve dance shatters the family.
Family
This brings me to my next point which is the prominent theme of family which is present throughout the play. ‘The Shifting Heart’ is set at the Bianchi’s family home which is located in a place that, well let’s just say didn’t make the top ten list of greatest suburbs to raise your kids in. This house sets the majority of the scenes for the play and really puts an emphasis on the theme of family, sticking together and supporting one another during times of doubt. Just like every other family though the Bianchi’s have their fair share of disputes and disagreements which all seem to unfold around Clarry – the Bianchis’ son-in-law – and the Bianchis’ son, Gino.
This brings me to my next point which is the prominent theme of family which is present throughout the play. ‘The Shifting Heart’ is set at the Bianchi’s family home which is located in a place that, well let’s just say didn’t make the top ten list of greatest suburbs to raise your kids in. This house sets the majority of the scenes for the play and really puts an emphasis on the theme of family, sticking together and supporting one another during times of doubt. Just like every other family though the Bianchi’s have their fair share of disputes and disagreements which all seem to unfold around Clarry – the Bianchis’ son-in-law – and the Bianchis’ son, Gino.
Conflict
The tension between Clarry and Gino
brings the aspect to the theme of conflict into the play. As Clarry is ashamed
and doesn’t like to embrace the Italian heritage of his wife and her family,
this rubs Gino the wrong way “I’m just as good as you – or anybody else. I
don’t have to prove it, Clarry. So from now on, nobody pushes me around no
more.” Pg 30. Clarry’s distaste for the Italian immigrant lifestyle is also
displayed when the opportunity to go into business with Gino arises, but
surprise, surprise he defers the offer as he thinks having a business that is
associated with Italians could threaten the reputation and image. These reoccurring
conflicts and lack of understanding an acceptance from Clarry and Gino bring
stress and strain to the Bianchi household and leave Maria with a dilemma: does
she choose her husband’s wishes over her own family and brother?
Acceptance
The next theme is of course is the theme of acceptance. Although Clarry does love the Bianchis, he still refuses to stand up for them outside of their house. As you can obviously see by now, Clarry isn’t at all accepting of his wife’s culture, it’s almost as though he is embarrassed to be considered a part of the Italian heritage. Clarry makes this quite clear by stating that he doesn’t want his son or daughter (Maria is with expecting a baby anytime soon by the way) to have an Italian name as he thinks they will be teased and taunted whilst growing up in Australia. His view on this is clearly shown on page 48 of the play when Clarry states “ours’ll be called “Tom”, or “Bill”, or “Jack”, some good Aussie name, so he can play with Aussie kids, and he’ll grow up like a good Aussie – with a solid stone for a heart.” This shows Clarry’s intolerance to deal with diverse cultures which Is quite ironic considering Australia is literally a melting pot of different cultures and very accepting of foreign names in today’s society.
The next theme is of course is the theme of acceptance. Although Clarry does love the Bianchis, he still refuses to stand up for them outside of their house. As you can obviously see by now, Clarry isn’t at all accepting of his wife’s culture, it’s almost as though he is embarrassed to be considered a part of the Italian heritage. Clarry makes this quite clear by stating that he doesn’t want his son or daughter (Maria is with expecting a baby anytime soon by the way) to have an Italian name as he thinks they will be teased and taunted whilst growing up in Australia. His view on this is clearly shown on page 48 of the play when Clarry states “ours’ll be called “Tom”, or “Bill”, or “Jack”, some good Aussie name, so he can play with Aussie kids, and he’ll grow up like a good Aussie – with a solid stone for a heart.” This shows Clarry’s intolerance to deal with diverse cultures which Is quite ironic considering Australia is literally a melting pot of different cultures and very accepting of foreign names in today’s society.
Marriage
By now it should be clear how much
of a pain in the arse Clarry is and how much stress he is putting into the
Bianchi’s life. Not to mention his marriage with Maria (whom is nine months
pregnant in the play and could be expecting a little bundle of half Italian,
half Australia joy at any given moment in time) could very much be on the
rocks. Clarry’s inability to see eye to eye with Maria and her family’s culture
puts a tremendous amount of strain on their relationship and Clarry’s tendency
to become quite aggressive in moments of crisis isn’t helping either.
Personally I believe that Clarry and Maria should take a leaf out of Momma and
Poppa Bianchi’s book! Look at them, they’ve been married for a long time,
relocated their entire family and managed to start a new life for themselves
during a very difficult time in history. If Clarry can’t even handle his kid
having ‘Giuseppe’ as his middle name, how will he possibly survive 20 year of
marriage to an Italian woman?? Should’ve thought that one out beforehand
Clarry.
Prejudice
Now finally all the themes
mentioned above tie in with the main and most obvious theme of prejudice as it
is clear that racism, acceptance and conflict all stem from different elements
of prejudice. In the end Clarry and Maria did end up naming their son ‘Gino’
after the late Gino Bianchi, which goes to show with a little bit of nagging
and realization to the bigger picture, any individual can overcome their fears
of acceptance and shift their heart into a more kinder and understanding place.
