21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke
Written by Jenny Davis
For school bookings please contact Rebecca info@theatre180.com.au
*A comprehensive schools’ education kit is available that covers HASS, Media, English and Drama
A compelling true story from WWII, honouring the bravery strength, love and hope of Australian Army Nurses 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 celebration of the human spirit and an uplifting, inspiring story which reminds us of the great futility of war.
Creative Credits
Written by Jenny Davis
Directed by Stuart Halusz
Featuring Caitlin Beresford-Ord, Rebecca Davis, Michelle Fornasier, Alex Jones, Tegan Mulvany and Helen Searle.
Leading WA publishing company Fremantle Press commissioned playwright Jenny Davis OAM to write a novel for Young Adult Readers, based on the script of 21 Hearts. Courage By My Friend was shortlisted in the 2025 WA Premier’s Book Awards and is available in all good book stores and online: fremantlepress.com.au/books/courage-be-my-friend/
Tickets & Venue Info
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“I have the greatest respect for the actresses. It was such a fantastic stage production., lighting and effects. It was immersive. Recommend anybody in Perth for their encore season in Oct/Nov to see it. It would be a wonderful lead into Remembrance Day. Their story deserves to be told, always remembered.”|
Group Captain Kath Stein, Director Defence Force Nursing
“Big congratulations! What a mammoth project and such an important one. How rarely do we hear the true female stories from wars. You’ve honoured these women in such an authentic way. The writing, acting and staging were all terrific and evocative of the can-do attitude of the women being portrayed. The research and writing was clearly a labour of love and, with descendants of the nurses’ families there in person, it must have been particularly rewarding to honour them the way you have.”
Kate Champion, Artistic Director, Black Swan State Theatre Company
“What an incredible show…brought me to tears while bringing to life an important story that needs to be shared.”
Tania Hudson, CEO Chamber of Arts and Culture
“Incredible show with brilliant direction, stunning writing and uniformly extraordinary performances!! Cannot stop thinking about it. Congratulations.”
Rosalind Hammond, Audience Member