Jack Davis's No Sugar has been celebrated for its powerful portrayal of Aboriginal resilience and its unflinching critique of Australian colonial history. Critics praise its authentic dialogue and historical accuracy. However, some note that its intense focus on social issues may overshadow character development. Overall, it's a compelling and educational piece.

Readers who appreciate No Sugar by Jack Davis often have a keen interest in indigenous Australian history, social justice, and post-colonial literature. Fans of books like Chinua Achebe's Things Fall Apart or Alice Walker's The Color Purple will find the exploration of racial discrimination and cultural resilience compelling.

No Sugar is a four-act play by Jack Davis that follows the Millimurra and Munday families as they face systemic racism, relocation, and personal struggles during the Australian Depression of the 1930s. The families’ endurance is tested as they are forcibly moved to a government settlement under false pretenses, highlighting the harsh realities of life under white authority, resulting in various personal and societal conflicts. Contains instances of physical abuse and sexual harassment.

Challenging / Contemplative / Emotional / Melancholic / Gritty

- No Sugar was written by Jack Davis, an Indigenous Australian playwright, poet, and activist who is renowned for his plays that spotlight the experiences and struggles of Aboriginal Australians.
- First performed in 1985, the play is part of Davis's acclaimed "First Born Trilogy," which also includes The Dreamers and Barungin (Smell the Wind).
- Jack Davis was awarded the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1985 for his contributions to literature and the promotion of Aboriginal culture and rights.

**Jimmy Munday**  
Jimmy is Milly’s brother and a voice of reason and protest, speaking analytically for the proper treatment of Aborigines.

**Gran Munday**  
Gran is the family matriarch who embodies the wisdom of age and native traditions, emphasizing reliance on the land and understanding modern healthcare's dependence on the relationship with white society.

**Joe Millimurra**  
Joe is a young Aboriginal man with hopes and aspirations hindered by external obstacles, whose relationship with Mary becomes a central focus later in the play.

**Mary Dargurru**  
Mary works for Mr. Neal and the Matron and must navigate her relationship with Joe amidst threats from Mr. Neal, whom she stands up to despite intimidation.

**Mr. Neal**  
Mr. Neal is a figure of authority who publicly serves as protector of the Aboriginal people while mistreating them, representing broader white Australia's treatment of Aborigines.

**The Matron (Mrs. Neal)**  
Mrs. Neal is Mr. Neal’s wife, overseeing the hospital and treating the Aborigines with empathy, though limited in her ability to effect change.

**Billy Kimberley**  
Billy is an elderly Aboriginal tracker working for Mr. Neal, enforcing discipline despite the conflict of interest, but later developing friendships that suggest a shift.

**Sister Eileen**  
Sister Eileen represents religion and education, providing instruction to the natives, with a focus on religious teachings as a means of enlightenment.

Jack Davis

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Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

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Before You Read No Sugar | SuperSummary

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Overview

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No Sugar Summary and Study Guide

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Act Summaries & Analyses

Act I, Scenes 1-5	

No Sugar Act I, Scenes 1-5	 Summary & Analysis

Act I, Scenes 6-10	

No Sugar Act I, Scenes 6-10	 Summary & Analysis

Act II, Scenes 1-5	

No Sugar Act II, Scenes 1-5	 Summary & Analysis

Act II, Scenes 6-10	

No Sugar Act II, Scenes 6-10	 Summary & Analysis

Act III, Scenes 1-5	

No Sugar Act III, Scenes 1-5	 Summary & Analysis

Act IV, Scenes 1-5	

No Sugar Act IV, Scenes 1-5	 Summary & Analysis

Act IV, Scenes 6-10	

No Sugar Act IV, Scenes 6-10	 Summary & Analysis

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

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Character Analysis

No Sugar Character Analysis

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Themes

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Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

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No Sugar Teaching Unit

Introduction

No Sugar Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

Reading Context

No Sugar Reading Context

During Reading

Reading Questions & Paired Texts

No Sugar Reading Questions & Paired Texts

Answer Key

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After Reading

Discussion/Analysis Prompt

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Activities

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Essay Questions

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Exam Questions

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No Sugar

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Who Should Read No Sugar?

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