Summer of the Seventeenth Doll

Written by Ray Lawler, Directed by Petra Kalive and Movement Direction by Xanthe Beesley.

1953.

Carlton, Melbourne. Australia.

Summer - and it's flamin' hot.

Olive is desperately attempting to recreate the happy days and heady nights of the cane cutting 'lay-off'.

For the past sixteen years, she's spent this glorious time with Barney, Roo and Nancy in her mother's house - a small Carlton terrace that they call home.

But on this, the seventeenth summer, nothing will be like it was.Nancy got married. And, try as she might, Olive can't replace her as easily as she thinks.The lay-off can't be the same anymore because they aren't the same anymore. As the facade they're keeping up disintegrates around them, memories fade and everyone has to face reality.

This extraordinary play was first performed in 1955 at the Union Theatre, Union House, University of Melbourne. This version is a fitting tribute that marks Union House Theatre's first production in the new Union Theatre. With it we bring with us a long history into this brand new space and nearly seven decades later the work provide a new generation of actors, designers, creatives and crew the chance to embed themselves into the rich legacy that is theatre on campus. 

Event duration: 2.5 hours including a 20-minute interval.

Access information: 

1. The venue is wheelchair-accessible. 
2. Hearing loop is available. 
3. There is an Audio-description performance on Saturday, 7th of October. 
4. If you require assistance in booking tickets to the show, please call Union House Theatre at 03 8344 6975.
   

Companion Card Holders qualify for a complimentary second ticket for their chosen companion. To book Companion Card tickets please contact us via uht@union.unimelb.edu.au.

Content warnings: Depiction of violence, coarse language, mature themes, use of theatrical haze, flashing lights and loud sound effects.

Read about the process of making the show, the cast and crew involved in our digital program.