Shifting Heart by Richard Beynon

Characters:

Poppa Bianchi (Dad)

Momma Bianchi (Poppa’s Wife)

Gino Bianchi (Poppas Son)

Maria Folwer  (Poppas Daughter and Clarry’s Wife)

Clarry Fowler (Poppas Son-in-law, Maria’s Husband)

“Well with a name like ‘Gino Giuseppe Vittorio Bianchi’ …” (Lukie, P. 43)

The play written by Richard Beynon The Shifting Heart, is set in 1956 in the blue-collar suburb of Collingwood, Melbourne. Playwright Beynon dedicated this play to a Polish immigrant known as ‘Mr. Leczycki’ who cut his throat because his work colleagues couldn’t understand a word he was saying, shocking I know. If you’ve read or seen the play then you are probably wondering, why has Beynon centred his play on Italian Immigrants rather than Polish? Beynon was probably trying to convey a point, a point that ignorance and narrow mindedness overall is what initiates racism and NOT the difference in the races themselves.

Perhaps you’re thinking that a play set in 1965 has no relevance to society today? You know because Australia is a multicultural country etcetera, etcetera, and etcetera. However in my opinion Australia is still in need of a change in the way we view other nationalities, and in a risk of sounding cliche Australia needs a ‘Shifting [of] Heart.’

Prejudice and acceptance:

Throughout this play there are many experiences of racism toward the Bianchi family.  The first form of prejudice witnessed is within the first scene when “something sails over the fence and lands in the yard … the remains of a once-healthy fish.” This is a major insult to Poppa who was sitting out on his porch playing a traditionally Italian song “Santa Lucia”, whether it is a sub-conscious reaction to conform to the norm or something else, Poppa then begins to play a customarily Australian song; Waltzing Matilda after the fish is thrown however, “the playing has a plaintive sadness about it [though not intentional].”To me this scene foreshadows the rest of the play, and the theme of prejudice is instigated. This scene also reflects to me that no matter how hard the Bianchis try, not matter what they do to conform to typical Australian lifestyles they will always be viewed as out-casts by the rest of the local community.

Clarry:

Throughout the play the main character Clarry shows a form of prejudice toward the Bianchi family, (I don’t see how that makes sense as he is a part of the family) although not as evident as the examples below. The main form of racism that Clarry shows is through his brother in-law Gino . This form of discrimination is less explicit and more subtle than some other cases. It becomes apparent that Clarrys main form of prejudice is experienced through his wife’s heritage and the shame he feels towards her.

The think that bugs me is if he was so shameful of being associated with Italians why did he marry one!? 

Momma Macaroni and Poppa Spaghetti:

The first time these ‘nicknames’ are mentioned is within the first scene of the first act. To Momma these names are harmless and don’t seem to bother her much, because as she states that Mr Wilson the Butcher says this because “he like a me”. According to Poppa -I must agree with him here-, “[the distinction] is to make a difference.” Whether this is an intentional act by Mr Wilson or not the use of these names separates the Bianchis from mainstream society.

In my opinion Mr Wilson is a miniature version of Clarry. He appears to “like” the Bianchi family, however similar to Clarry both characters don’t defend the Bianchi’s if other members of the neighbourhood complain about the family’s Italian ways. To me I see this idea as a representation of individuals within society not standing up the rights of migrants and refugees. Within the play this non-acceptance comes at a price.

Understanding:

For me the theme of understanding is a big one. This theme is played upon with the following characters. 

Clarry and Gino:

Throughout the play Clarry is constantly referred to as having a “little mind” however it is not meant in the sense of stupidity but to Clarrys constant misunderstandings to the difficulty of the problems that Gino faces. A matter of “adjust [ment]” is not the issue as Clarry believes, rather a matter of Gino being “alone because he is different”.

These constant misunderstanding are what leads to the majority of conflict within the play.

Clarry and Maria:

Clarry and Maria have a strained relationship with Maria impregnated with her third baby after two previous miscarriages.  Within the play the tension that arises between Maria and Clarry is over Maria’s younger brother Gino. As the play continues the audience witness the tension between the two characters intensify and Clarry’s lack of understanding ascends.

Throughout the play Clarry is constantly making references to Marias ‘dago temper’, these references cause Maria a lot of pain, and I can understand why. Her own husband pretty much stereotyped her and separated their races. A major part of Maria and Clarry’s conflict is not just over Gino, but also over the unborn child, “as long as he is safe and wanted” Maria will be happy. Clarry believes that this statement only relates to the family; however Maria is using the term on a more broad scale, in that she understands what it is like to be shunned by society because of your nationality, and does not want that for their child. Maria’s failed attempts at trying to make Clarry understand are diminished through his ignorance and her sensitivity on the subject. 

Symbolism:

Christmas tree:

Within the play the Christmas tree that Gino takes the initiative to make and bring home plays a big role. This tree represents three things; Shared Characteristics between the Bianchi’s and the typical Australian, The Christmas tree symbolizes how the Bianchi’s are a normal family, and that they celebrate Christmas just like everybody else. The tree also ssignifies Gino’s Pride in being Australian and his growth to becoming a man.

Within this scene Momma is so pleased and the entire scene has a moment of contentment, where the Bianchis consider how lucky they are to be living in Australia. On Page 39 Momma explains that “in all that time, this; the first Christmas tree.”

At this point of the play the Bianchis world is bursting with favorable circumstances; Gino is turning into a nice young man, and Marias baby is due anytime now. However the Bianchis have been set up for failure, it is such a characteristic method for playwrights to do this. Throughout this scene Maria and Clarrys tension is unresolved as Poppa muses that God “must be Australian” whilst playing “Santa Lucia” focusing on the ever present diversity in culture.

Purpose of the Play:

For me the purpose of this play is not just to inform individuals about racism but to express the emotional effects that intolerance can have. Beynon covers a range of diverse attitudes through a handful of characters that instigate racism.

I believe that in this day and age there is no need for Racism and prejudice towards others on any level we are a equal and have the same rights.