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

THEATRE 180 presents 
21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke 
By Jenny Davis

A powerful story of courage, resilience and remembrance.  21 HEARTS brings to life the extraordinary story of Australian war heroine Vivian Bullwinkel and the nurses who endured unimaginable hardship during World War II. More than a story of survival, 21 HEARTS is a deeply moving tribute to friendship, courage and the voices of women whose stories deserve to be heard and remembered.  You won’t want to miss this.  

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.

Audience Advisory

Audience: Suitable for ages 12+ 
Photography: No photography or video allowed
Special effects: Hazer, loud sound effects (explosions)

Patron feedback

A wonderful story of brave women…the play was superb, so very, very well done by all the actors, the visual effects, lighting and sound. A great evening in a wonderful theatre. Loved it.  
Joan Ann Murphy

Such a brilliant production – congratulations to you all. Wonderful to see a cast of 6 marvellous actors bringing to life Jenny’s exceptional script. Such a deeply moving audience experience. Thanks to one and all. 
Robyn Torney

Truly amazing! An important story that was told with great sensitivity by an extremely talented group of people.
Recollections of War Museum

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