2025 SEASON 21 Hearts: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke by Jenny Davis

BACK BY POPULAR DEMAND!

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 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.

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

Important information

• Foyer doors open one hour prior to the performance, with theatre doors opening 30 minutes prior to the performance.
• Seating is unreserved on a first come first served basis unless accessibility requirements are advised. Group bookings 10+ receive reserved seating.
• The performance duration is 115 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+
• Content warning Explosions, war scenes

Image: Stewart Thorpe Photography