The larrikin's hop: Larrikinism and late colonial popular theatre
Bellanta, Melissa
Bellanta, Melissa
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Author
Abstract
Bellanta focuses on larrikinism, behavior in Australian culture marked by comical or outlandish actions, examining its link in Australian variety and minstrel theater in the 1890s. She also comments on the related personas of "donah," "coon," and "coster swell." The label of larrikin was not just imposed on "low" youth, but was also one assumed by some of them for the purpose of self-definition and social resistance during the conflicts of the late colonial era. Popular performance played an important part in this process. Efforts were made to contain the larrikin menace on the variety stage, but the theater also functioned as a political resource for larrikin themselves.
Keywords
Date
2008
Type
Journal article
Journal
Australasian Drama Studies
Book
Volume
Issue
Page Range
131-147
Article Number
ACU Department
School of Arts and Humanities
Faculty of Education and Arts
Faculty of Education and Arts