The incredible story of Lieutenant Colonel Vivian Bullwinkel will be brought to life on the Australian War Memorial (AWM) stage.

Vivian was a volunteer nurse during World War Two.

She was the only female survivor of the massacre at Banka Island where 21 members of the Australian Army Nursing Service and other survivors of the sinking of the SS Vyner Brooke were killed by the Japanese in 1942.

Bullwinkel was immortalised at the AWM in 2023 with the unveiling of a statue on the forecourt of Poppy’s Café.

The AWM theatre will play host to 21 Hearts: Vivian Bullwinkel and the nurses of the Vyner Brooke from 24 July to 3 August.

It traces the harrowing events that led to Vivian’s imprisonment, survival, and lifelong campaign to honour her fellow nurses. Despite the devastating events at its heart, the production hums with warmth, wit, and a uniquely Australian sense of spirit.

AWM director Matt Anderson told CD it is important to tell Vivian’s story.

“I think because as much as anything, it’s the harrowing story of the 22 nurses on Banka Island, 21 of whom were killed. It speaks to the brutality of war and that’s important,” Mr Anderson said.

“When the Memorial was opened in 1941, Lord Gowrie (then Australian Governor-General) said when people leave here, they must utter ‘never again’.” Mr Anderson said.

“I think telling the story of the murder of 21 innocent nurses is a very, very powerful exclamation mark on the true horror of war.

“But it also allows us to explore more deeply Vivian’s own experience with the massacre on Banka Island and Radji Beach, and what she did for the remainder of her life and how she sought to honour those who had died alongside her.”

Vivian was also the first female to serve on the council of the AWM.

21 Hearts will be the first live production to be staged at AWM’s new theatre.

Theatre 180 executive producer and 21 Hearts lead actress Rebecca Davis told CD when she and the show’s director, Stuart Halusz, met Vivian in 1995, they knew right away they had to turn her story into a play.

“Her story absolutely struck us,” Ms Davis said.

She said the show featured a cinema backdrop, as well as a set, to accompany the performers.

Ms Davis said the Memorial was the pinnacle of venues to host the play.

“It’s such an honour to tell a story of this magnitude and highlight these amazing women who were at the frontline,” she said.

Vivian died in 2000, aged 84.

Tickets are available to purchase at awm.gov.au/21-hearts.

Canberra Daily would love to hear from you about a story idea in Canberra and the surrounding region. Click here to submit a news tip.

Feeling social? Follow Canberra Daily: Facebook | Instagram | X (Twitter) | Tik Tok | YouTube