A Merrigong Theatre Company production
in association with Canberra Theatre Centre
LETTERS TO LINDY
A play by Alana Valentine
Filled with humour and heartbreak, this stunning work by award-winning playwright Alana Valentine (Parramatta Girls) explores the public’s relationship with one of 20th Century Australia’s most iconic figures.
The story captivated a nation. A mother accused of murdering her child, her claim – that the baby was taken by a dingo – denied and discredited by zealous police and a flawed legal system. The media circus, the rumours, the mob mentality, and a nation’s prejudices laid bare. Over three decades, from baby Azaria’s death to the final coroner’s report, the public wrote more than 20,000 letters to Lindy Chamberlain. From sympathy to abuse, letters from children and letters from those who have lost a child, these letters traverse the gamut of human response to Lindy’s story.
Letters to Lindy draws on this correspondence, as well as extensive interviews with Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton herself, to create an enthralling, moving, and long overdue dialogue between Lindy and the nation.
Directed by Darren Yap and featuring the critically acclaimed performance from Jeanette Cronin as Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton, Letters to Lindy provides a deep insight into one of the most compelling legal and human dramas of our times. It paints a singular portrait of the heartbreak, wisdom and resilience of a grieving mother and her 30 year fight for justice.
Access:
Dates & Times:
Thursday 12 July at 7.30pm
Friday 13 July at 7.30pm
Saturday 14 July at 2.15pm (Auslan Interpreted)
Saturday 14 July at 7.30pm
Please note this production contains strong language and adult themes. Suitable for ages 13+
Written by Alana Valentine
Director Darren Yap
Designer James Browne
Co-Composer / Co-Sound Designer Max Lambert and Roger Lock
Lighting Designer Toby Knyvett
CAST
Jeanette Cronin
Glenn Hazledine
Phillip Hinton
Jane Phegan
“Exquisitely touching… Detail upon detail is woven into a finely stitched masterpiece.” – Australian Stage
“…a fascinating collage depicting Australian attitudes to grief, justice, celebrity, and to women who do not conform to expectations… Cronin’s pitch-perfect Lindy… is a warm, earthy, personable focal point in an evening that rises strongly in the final minutes to pay tribute to Chamberlain’s resilience and to the child she lost.” – Jason Blake, Sydney Morning Herald
“A rather extraordinary play… a very moving couple of hours.” – Canberra Times
“An outstanding play… Letters to Lindy should be seen on every stage.” – Canberra Critics Circle
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