21 HEARTS: Vivian Bullwinkel and the Nurses of the Vyner Brooke, a THEATRE 180 production
Held at BMI 10 & 11 July 2026
Many thanks to the BMI Crew & Audience
We are constantly moved and overwhelmed by the connection of these brave nurses to people all over Australia and the keen interest by patrons wanting the story to be kept in the hearts and minds of all.
Rebecca Davis | Executive Director | THEATRE 18O
Participant Feedback
Sandy – ‘An amazing performance’.
Sue – ‘Very powerful and well done portraying the stories so sensitively. My DNA links me to 2 young people who are 14 & 16, survived another ship sinking while escaping Singapore at the same time and were imprisoned in Muntok and later in Sumatra. They survived. I followed it up with I returned home. It is good that these people are not forgotten, Thank you.’
THEATRE 180 – ‘We just loved performing this special story in your beautiful theatre! Thank you Ballarat – no one wanted to leave your gorgeous city.
Wallace – Great setting, great directors speech, great writing, great cast and performances. And lets not forget the local Cuthbertson nurse who perished.
Alison – A very powerful play and a wonderful tribute to the courage, determination and dedication of these nurses. Thouroughly enjoyed your moving performances.
Susan – We were at Saturday night’s performance. It was very well put together and moving. Great job!
Helen – Superb show from beginningto end. Congratulations to all cast and crew.
Lee – Absolutely loved it was a very moving performance.
Mel – It was amazing.
Glenda – Wonderful…
Jenny – I saw the show on Saturday night. What an amazing story beautifully portrayed by all involved.
Alison – Absolutely wonderful production.
Darren – It was a great show. Fantastic job.
BMI stands on Wadawurrung Country. Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute acknowledges the Wadawurrung People of the Kulin Nation as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we work, learn and create. Always Was, Always Will Be, Aboriginal Land.
