Act I: Page 15-28
p15 -20 Momma
The melodramatic entrance of Momma has three effects. It emphasises the stereotypical portrayal of the Bianchis, it adds a sense of humour to the play and she expresses her ideas about racism. The banter between Momma and Poppa is humourous as they gently argue with each other. This has the effect of endearing them to the audience, without making the audience feel sorry for them. This is important because although the characters are in many ways stereotypes, it is essential for the success of the play that the characters are real, that they are human. The expression of love through the banter of Momma and Poppa is very important for this to be achieved and is entwined amongst more serious dialogue in order to make the play more accessible.
'Plonk'
The issues to do with racism are expressed through Momma's entrance in a number of ways. Firstly, she gains cultural information from Leila about 'plonk' and the reason for Mr. Wilson's 'twitching'. This is significant because in Act I Leila has learned more about the Italian culture and begun to break down the stereotype of Italian immigrants and Momma has learned some of the colloquial language and customs of Australians.
Momma Macaroni and Poppa Spaghetti
Secondly, Momma reveals that Mr. Wilson calls her 'Momma Macaroni' (p16). The contrasting reactions from Momma and Poppa are significant because it again comes down to intention. Momma claims that it is not offensive because he calls her this 'Because he like a me.' (p16) whereas Poppa claims that it is 'to make a difference' (p16). Poppa has a point in that it does differentiate them from mainstream society and, intentionally or not, it separates them from their neighbours.
The fish
On the other hand, Momma makes a distinction between those who are up front and honest about their differences and those who do things behind their backs, such as throwing the fish. (p20) One of the major differences is that Poppa sees the act of defiance such as blocking the drain as 'causing trouble', whereas Momma observes that 'They gotta learn a lesson' (p19) and that 'they play dirty, we play dirty.' (p20). Put yourself in the shoes of Momma and Poppa. Their neighbours have not spoken to them once in eight years. They have not told them what they dislike about their behaviour and choose instead to complain about them to Mr. Wilson the butcher. How would you react to the fish? What do you think the consequences of either reaction would be? Can you think of a possible solution to the problem? Who needs to take the first step?
The butcher shop
Mr. Wilson's butchery is a source of much gossip. What is particularly poignant about Mr. Wilson is that although Momma observes that he likes her, he will not defend her as the unfriendly neighbour complains about her family's behaviour. This idea of not standing up for the rights of the migrants will have painful consequences towards the end of this play.
p20-28 Clarry
Clarry is the husband of expectant mother, Maria, who is the daughter of the Bianchi household. He works in the scrap metal business and, while Gino and he are effectively partners, Clarry is not inclined to accept the situation as it is. The introduction of Clarry into the plot is important as it is Clarry whose heart 'shifts'. Beynon directs that Clarry should be a typical Australian stereotype. Clarry, like the Bianchis is caught between two cultures.
'Boy'
The first words that Clarry is heard to say end with the word 'boy' as he addresses Poppa (p20), who is a man at least twenty years older than him. He repeats this on page 21. Consider the impact of addressing on older man in this fashion. What is the audience's initial reaction to this? It demonstrates that Clarry believes himself superior to Poppa. This is reinforced on the following pages where Clarry effectively ignores Poppa by trying to change the subject.
Poppa's opinions
On page 22, Poppa observes and communicates that Clarry is 'ashamed' to be loved by Gino and that he is ashamed 'not of the bad things but always the good'. Poppa pushes Clarry about taking Gino into an equal partnership and Clarry, despite his intentions, is eventually drawn into conceding that he does not want to be equal partners with Gino because he does not want 'no trouble' (p. 24). Poppa is perhaps a little naive when he responds to Clarry by asking 'what kind of trouble could a boy like Gino make?' (p24).
Clarry and Gino
The conversation that the audience view reveals significant information about Clarry's attitudes as well as the other people in the community.
It is obvious, first, that although Gino really does love Clarry, as he is 'genuinely hurt' when Clarry accuses him of lying (p26), and tells him that 'Someday I be a poppa, like you Clarry' (p28), there is not much evidence that suggests that Clarry feels exactly the same way. While there is information that seems to be shared by both, the conversation has an interrogative feel about it.
Further, Clarry does want to protect Gino, but does not understand Gino's frustrations and motivations. Clarry sees Gino's determination to go to the 'dance joint' as 'buy[ing] trouble' (p27). However the point for Gino is that he has a right to go wherever he wants. Clarry's insistence that he not take his rights for granted (p26) demonstrates a severe lack of understanding. Gino does understand his rights and knows perfectly well why he is being discriminated against. For Gino to fully develop into a 'man', as Clarry will later discuss, he needs to assert his independence. The incident where Gino is accused of 'queue jumping' at the scrap metal yard and the assertion from Clarry that 'it wasn't the first time was it?' (p 27), indicates that this is a widespread problem. Clarry's advice to Gino to keep his mouth shut demonstrates his lack of understanding. Do you think if Clarry had stepped in to defend Gino it might have been different at the weigh-in?
