The Australian War Memorial and Department of Veterans' Affairs present

21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke by Jenny Davis, a live production by THEATRE 180.

23 July - 3 August
Australian War Memorial, Canberra

A COMPELLING TRUE STORY OF THE CELEBRATION OF WOMEN'S STRENGTH, LOVE AND HOPE IN THE FACE OF ADVERSITY.

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 multi-disciplinary theatre production incorporating live performance, music, archival footage and AV design which brings the memory of Vivian and the other young women to life. A celebration of the human spirit and an uplifting, inspiring story which reminds us of the great futility of war.

Directed by Stuart Halusz

Featuring Caitlin Beresford-Ord, Rebecca Davis, Michelle Fornasier, Alex Jones, Helen Searle and Alison van Reeken

Visual Design by Gneiss Design
Sound Design by Ben Collins
Lighting Design by Rowan Van Blomestein
Costume Design by Neil Sheriff & Ingrid Zurzolo
Theme Song Composed by Craig Skelton
Stage Manager Craig Williams
Assistant Stage Manager Aaron Stirk

Important information

This performance will take place in the theatre at the Australian War Memorial, Canberra
The venue has reserved seating.
The performance duration is 110 minutes with no interval.
This event is wheelchair accessible and Companion Cards are accepted. If you have any questions about access and to make a wheelchair accessible booking, please get in touch via info@theatre180.com.au / 0414 345 381
The performance is recommended for ages 12 years+
Content warning Explosions, war scenes

Image: Stewart Thorpe Photography