21 Hearts
21 Hearts: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke
Written by Jenny Davis
A compelling true story of the celebration of women’s strength, love and hope in the face of adversity.
Written by Jenny Davis. Directed by Stuart Halusz. Featuring Caitlin Beresford-Ord, Rebecca Davis, Michelle Fornasier, Alex Jones, Helen Searle and Alison van Reeken.
Vivian Bullwinkel was one of 65 Australian nurses who boarded the Vyner Brooke in an attempt to flee the Japanese invasion of Singapore in February, 1942. Bombed by Japanese fighter planes and after spending days at sea, she and some other survivors found their way to Radji Beach on Banka Island where they surrendered. In one of the most atrocious acts of war crimes in our history, 22 nurses were forced to march into the sea where they were callously machine gunned. The only survivor and witness, Vivian spent the rest of the war in a prison camp before liberation, and her remaining years fighting for recognition of the bravery of her friends and colleagues; their strength and courage in the face of death sustaining her for the rest of her illustrious life.
21 Hearts relays the resilient Aussie humour displayed by the women in the camp and provides a respectful and authentic voice to those who were silenced, remembering them for who they were and not just for what happened to them.
A story of hope, courage, resilience and heart.
Featuring 6 of WA’s most outstanding actors, 21 HEARTS is a celebration of the human spirit and an uplifting, inspiring story which reminds us of the great futility of war.
LOCATION:
Como Theatre, 16 Preston Street, Como
DATES:
Thursday 11 April | 7pm | PREVIEW
Friday 12 April | 7pm | PREVIEW
Saturday 13 April | 7pm | OPENING NIGHT
Wednesday 17 April | 11am & 7pm
Thursday 18 April | 7pm
Friday 19 April | 11am & 7pm
Saturday 20 April | 2pm & 7pm
Sunday 21 April | 5pm
Important information
- Foyer doors open one hour prior to the performance, with theatre doors opening 20 minutes prior to the performance.
- Seating is unreserved on a first come first served basis unless accessibility requirements are advised.
- The performance duration is 90 minutes with no interval.
- This event is wheelchair accessible. If you have any questions about access, please get in touch via info@theatre180.com.au
- The performance is recommended for ages 12 years and older.
Image: Stewart Thorpe Photography
Como Theatre, 16 Preston Street, April 11 - 21, 2024
The Team
Writer
Jenny Davis OAM
Director
Stuart Halusz
Cast
Caitlin Beresford-Ord
Rebecca Davis
Michelle Fornasier
Alex Jones
Helen Searle
Alison van Reeken
Sound Design & Programmer
Ben Collins
Visual Designer
Gneiss Design
Lighting Designer
Rowan van Blomestein
Costume Designer
Neil Sheriff
Theme Song Composer
Craig Skelton
Theme Song Vocalists
Lisa Harper-Brown
Saskia Haluszkiewicz
Theme Song Musicians
Australian Baroque
Stage Manager
Craig Williams
Assistant Stage Manager
Aaron Stirk
Associate Producer
Alison Welburn
Marketing Manager & Publicity
Limelight Consulting
Photographer
Stewart Thorpe
Hair & Makeup Stylist
KT Crocker
Additional Information & Acknowledgements
Thank You To:
you can support us
As an independent, not-for-profit theatre company, we welcome any form of support. Donations of $2.00 or more are tax-deductible.
The THEATRE 180 Public Fund (ABN: 33 042 434 145) is a tax deductible fund listed on the Australian Government’s Register of Cultural Organisations maintained under Subdivision 30-F of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.
ALL DONATIONS ARE MAINTAINED IN A SPECIAL PUBLIC FUND ADMINISTRATED BY THEATRE 180 AND THESE FUNDS WILL ONLY BE USED FOR THE PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF THE ORGANISATION.
THEATRE 180 Public Fund
Robin Tunnicliffe FCPA CPM, Jenny Davis OAM, Stuart Halusz
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