The Struggle of the Naga Tribe Literary Elements

Satire

Indonesian

1970s Indonesia, re-named Astinam

POV is that of the Naga people, Abisavam and Abivara. Narrator is Dalang.

Satirical, Dramatic, Poetic

Protagonists are Abisavam, Carlos and Abivara. Antagonists are Sri Ratu, Mr. Joe, Big Boss, President of Parliament, Minister of Mines, Prime Minister, Colonel Srenggi.

The Naga tribe is preparing their land to plant and they speak of their rules to not allow outsiders to purchase it. Queen Sri Ratu engages in creating progress through building and allowing anything that is Western in her kingdom.

Sri Ratu accepts a bribe from Big Boss through Mr. Joe and allows them access to the copper mines next to the Naga tribes land, thus stripping the people of their sacred land.

The Chorus of Ambassadors foreshadows the taking of the Naga land in order that "progress" be made.

It is understated as to which country Big Boss comes from. This narrative decision leaves the responsibility of industrialization up in the air, as to the culprit being one of many countries and people.

The play is an allusion to the Indonesian government making decisions that have cause the loss of sacred indigenous lands and to the increase in their national debt.

President of Parliament arriving with a truck full of soldiers to the Naga land.

Chorus of Machines and Ambassadors at the beginning of the play.

Sri Ratu wants progress in her country. Paradoxically, she is making decisions that will set her country back years by the debt she acquires and the pillaging of her people's land and culture.

Mr. Joe's entry and conversation with Sri Ratu parallels the Chorus of Ambassadors and their desires in the opening scene.

Sri Ratu is the personification of corruption and delusion atop the chain of power in Astinam.

Dalang - The puppet master introducing the play in the prologue

Chorus of Machines and Ambassadors.