Siobhan McHugh's
MINEFIELDS AND MINISKIRTS
Australian women and the Vietnam War
Play adapted and directed by Terence O'Connell
Adapted by Terence O'Connell from award winning writer Siobhan McHugh's book, Minefields and Miniskirts brings to life a collage of true stories: the extraordinary experiences of the hundreds of women who played a part in the war in Vietnam.
These stories are presented by a star-studded cast of dearly loved artists who take on the roles of a volunteer, a journalist, a nurse, the wife of a Vietnam veteran and an entertainer who cross paths at an Anzac Day march during the 1980's. As a helicopter hovers over them, the now middle-aged women are transported back to the 1960's and early 1970's to their youthful experiences in Vietnam into a memory world where rice paddies, paper lanterns and ancient temples team with G.I.s, orphaned children and constant bombardment.
Woven through the script are many iconic songs of the period written by female singer/songwriters including Joni Mitchell, Joan Baez and Carole King.
Siobhan McHugh has produced award-winning radio & television documentaries. Her last book, The Snowy, won the NSW State Literary Award for Non-Fiction. Terence O'Connell is director of many acclaimed national tours including The Buddy Holly Story, Kissing Frogs with Christine Anu, and Glyn Nicholas' Certified Male
 |
'Debra Byrne as the nurse & Wendy Stapleton as the entertainer in the original Playbox 2004 production 'Minefields and Miniskirts'.
Photograph by Lisa Tomasetti
|
‘...this is the performance to catch for 2004. Laugh, cry, reflect - or all of the above. But don't miss this magnificent socially focused musical theatre piece.’
The Age
‘The true war stories - delivered in a simple, unvarnished style - are intensely moving, provoking many in the audience to wipe away a tear or two.’ Thuy On, The Australian
‘Entertainment with heart, soul and reason - don't miss it!’ Diana Simmonds, Sunday Telegraphs
‘Adaptation of Siobhan McHugh's excellent history of Australian women and the Vietnam war. The piece deplores war's waste of life. Yet there's excitement as well.’ Stephen Dunne, Sydney Morning Herald