Shiba Lane
Written by R J Roberts
Shiba Lane is set in Broome during the early 1900's, when Broome was known world-wide as the pearling centre of the world. Shiba Lane is the story of two Japanese men who come to Australia and work in Broome's pearling industry. They have been life-long friends, but life in the new land threatens to fracture their relationship. One endeavours to adapt to his new home, adopting a British influenced life style and manner. The other wants to maintain the customs he has always known, and celebrate his culture in this new country. The conflict between them is heightened by the history of the time. The Japanese nation is emerging on the world stage after centuries of isolation, whereas the young nation of Australia is shaping its identity while grappling with its isolation from the rest of the world.
Shiba Lane captures the rich multi-cultural heritage and history of Broome, in particular the Australian and Japanese involvement in the development of Broome's pearling industry. It is a unique and ground breaking play, depicting the origins of Japan's cultural input into Australia's history. The name, Shiba Lane, refers to a location in Broome that was once the centre of the Japanese residential and business community. In contemporary times Shiba Lane is deemed to be a significant cultural site, possessing a mythical quality. Shiba Lane embraces multi-cultural themes relevant to today
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