21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke

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, Western Australia

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

BOOKINGS:
www.theatre180.com.au