Enough is Enough

The Legal Services Commission of South Australia and the African Communities Council present “Enough is Enough: The Nile Family goes to Court”, a social drama on the implications of the family law for the new migrants and refugees.

The scene is set for a dramatic rendition of the marital problems in the new and emerging African communities in Australia. The theatrical presentation begins with Albert and Lina’s marriage in Liberia 12 years ago. Albert had a little shop, where he sold drinks and cigarettes. He had a basic education. But his wife, Lina, could not read or write.

In 1995, a year after their marriage, they fled the Liberian civil war to a refugee camp in the Republic of Guinea, West Africa, where they stayed until 2005 when they migrated to Australia as humanitarian entrants.

This is where the real drama begins. For several months, Albert had difficulty getting a job in Australia, but he is presently working as a packer at a timber yard. He now has more money than he ever had and is very happy.

But his marriage to Lina is on the rocks! And the reason is not hard to find: Albert controls all the money; exercising optimum “power” and authority over family affairs. He sends money to his family in Liberia but he won’t send any money to his wife’s family as the Liberian custom dictates. Lina complains bitterly!

Lina has been unhappy at home for quite a while. One night, there was a big fight and she decided “enough is enough” and left in disgust; taking all her three children with her.

Thus, as Lina makes her move, the real challenge is to try and save Albert’s marriage through mediation or third party intervention. But, this will not do!

In fact, there is a great deal of uncertainty as Lina’s solicitor makes an application to the family court. There’s an emotional pain and trauma and gnashing of teeth as the courtroom drama unfolds!

“Enough is Enough: the Nile Family goes to Court” is a beautiful and compelling piece of amateur theatre drawn from Africa’s cultural experience and the reality of life in the new and emerging African communities in Australia.