Theatre as a socializing tool
Throughout the play, we are able to see the convicts become more humane and less as the criminals that we first interpreted them as. This is especially seen through characters such as Liz Morden and 'Shitty' Meg. We see the increased socialization through Liz as she is able to maintain friendships with the other characters and, in the final scenes of the play, she is willing to give her life to protect her friends as she fakes a confession that she stole from the stores.
Power of Language
This is a key theme throughout the play as it also links in the power of theatre. The power of language can be seen by the effects that the play 'The Recruiting Officer' which the convicts are performing has on their individual character and personalities. A clear example of this would be Dabby as when first starting the play she is a very abrasive character who struggles to maintain relationships yet by the end she is able to become friends with the other convicts and displays a clear bond with them.
Rehabilitation v Capital Punishment
This theme underlies the play on a whole yet especially in the scene where all the officers are discussing their view on the topic. Characters such as Captain Arthur Phillips are able to show a more liberal viewpoint as he shows the intelligent belief in reform and that they have the power to reform the convicts so they will become better people. However, characters such as Major Robbie Ross believe the opposite as they think the punishment for the convicts should be as harsh and severe as possible so are clear supporters for capital punishment.
Colonisation
This theme is most clearly expressed by the Aborigini. We are able to see the effects that colonization has on the original settlers and it allows for internal debate within the audience as to our personal views on the matter. We are especially able to see the obviously negative effects towards the end of the play as the Aborigini becomes diseased and covered in pus and infections. This shows the physical harm that humans cause on the planet and when they take over land that was not originally their own. It is also symbolic for showing how humans are destructive of nature and are braze with their actions as the consequences are never thought about.
