Summer Of The Seventeenth Doll
An Australian stage classic written by playwright Ray Lawler – who turned 100 this year – is coming to Stirling Theatre. Directed by Tim Riessen, Summer Of The Seventeenth Doll is considered by literary scholars to be the most significant play in Australian theatre history. It provided a turning point where distinctly Australian life and characters were openly and authentically portrayed, signalling the maturity of a nation prepared to question its stereotypes and attitudes. The story follows two itinerant cane cutters, Barney and Roo, who have spent the past 16 summers in the off-season with two barmaids in Melbourne. Every year, Roo has brought a tinsel doll to his girl Olive, as a gift to symbolise their relationship – but this 17th summer is somehow different.
Summer of the Seventeenth Doll plays at 8pm November 26, 27, December 2, 3, 4, 9, 10 and 11 with 2pm matinees November 28 and December 5 and tickets are $22 or $20 concession.