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Is That You, Ruthie? The Play
Brief Description
Adapted for the stage by acclaimed actor-writer-director Leah Purcell, Is That You, Ruthie? The Play brings Ruth Hegarty's iconic memoir to a new audience. In the 1930s, a family seeking refuge from the Depression arrived at Queensland's oppressive Cherbourg Aboriginal Mission. Unbeknownst to them, they were...
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Is That You, Ruthie? The Play
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Description
Adapted for the stage by acclaimed actor-writer-director Leah Purcell, Is That You, Ruthie? The Play brings Ruth Hegarty's iconic memoir to a new audience.
In the 1930s, a family seeking refuge from the Depression arrived at Queensland's oppressive Cherbourg Aboriginal Mission. Unbeknownst to them, they were stepping into a life dictated by 'The Act'. The eldest daughter, Ruby (Buthalangi), and her baby, Ruth (Munya), were placed in the Women's Dormitory - a system that would forever change their lives. When Ruth was just four and a half years old, she was removed entirely from her mother's care, only to be forced into domestic service years later. Yet, despite the harsh realities of institutional life, the Dommo Girls forged connections that became a source of strength, joy and a lifelong friendship that helped them survive.
Based on the David Unaipon Award-winning memoir Is That You, Ruthie?, Leah Purcell's playscript is a poignant exploration of the journeys a mother and daughter take to find their way back to each other. Capturing Hegarty's signature humour and courage, this masterful adaptation is a rich tapestry of truth-telling that delves into the complex aftermath of the government's removal policy.
Book Details
INFORMATION
ISBN: 9780702269271
Publisher: University of Queensland Press
Format: Paperback / softback
Date Published: 11 March 2025
Country: Australia
Imprint: University of Queensland Press
Audience: General / adult
DIMENSIONS
Spine width: 10.0mm
Width: 130.0mm
Height: 197.0mm
Weight: 138g
Pages: 144
About the Author
Leah Purcell AM is an internationally acclaimed, multi-award winning playwrite, actor, producer, director, and a proud Goa-Gunggari-Wakka Wakka Murri woman from Queensland. The Drover's Wife the Legend of Moll Johnson was Leah's debut feature film, which she wrote, directed and co-produced as well as starring in the leading role. Her previous adaptations of the original Henry Lawson short story, The Drover's Wife, includes the multi-awarding-winning theatrical play and the best-selling book. Leah's theatre directing credits include brothers Wreck, Don't Take Your Love to Town, Stolen, The Story of the Miracles at Cookie's Table, Radiance and 7 Stages of Grieving. She is also the best selling author of the anthology, Black Chicks Talking
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The semi-autobiographical story of Leah Purcell - or her alter ego Stephanie - traces the events of her life growing up on an impoverished Aboriginal mission in Queensland. Despite the poverty, violence, lack of education and opportunity, Stephanie is nurtured through the love of her family. Box the Pony beautifully captures Stephanie's journey, highlighting the resilience and strength that define...Paperback$2799Unit price /UnavailableAvailableShips in 4-6 weeks -
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