Basically Black – Nostalgia Central

1 9 7 3 (Australia)
1 x 30 minute episode

Evolving from the newly established National Black Theatre’s stage production, Basically Black from Australia’s ABC (Australian Broadcasting Commission) combined comedy, activism and performing arts while reflecting the political struggles and organising of 1960s and 70s Redfern (a predominantly Aboriginal suburb of inner-city Sydney).

The first TV show performed by an all-Indigenous cast and led by black writers, this groundbreaking production tackled serious issues, like racism and white paternalism, through humour.

The character of Superboong (Zac Martin, pictured above) – the self-proclaimed “artful abo” –  used his secret identity as mild-mannered Aboriginal ex-boxing champion Lionel Mouse to fight a never-ending battle against racism wherever he found it.

An incident of racism in a nearby pub sees Superboong leap into action. Unfortunately, he can’t do anything because Aboriginal people are barred from entering pubs . . .

Other sketches include a satiric take on the boxing troupes that plied their trade in outback Australia as part of carnival side shows during the 1930s, 1940s, and 1950s; the ‘Bennelong’ sketch, in which Bennelong (the first Aboriginal Australian to visit Europe) is presented at a London garden party in beautifully tailored clothes but also in a gilded cage; and a sketch played out between an aggressive white labourer and an Indigenous industrial designer, which ends with the latter being viciously beaten and then arrested for assault.

Despite being well-received for its biting satire and commentary, the planned series didn’t proceed beyond this premiere episode. It was considered too political and provocative for the ABC, which censored parts of the script.

Bob Maza
Zac Martin
Gary Foley
Aileen Corpus
Bindi WIlliams