A powerful play about Australian nurse Vivian Bullwinkel, the sole survivor of the 1942 Banka Island massacre, will be the first live production to be staged in the Australian War Memorial's new theatre.

After sell-out seasons in Western Australia, the Memorial will host the East Coast premiere of 21 Hearts: Vivian Bullwinkel and The Nurses of the Vyner Brooke in Canberra from 23 July to 3 August 2025.

A true story, the production honours Lieutenant Colonel Vivan Bullwinkel and the 21 nurses murdered after surrendering to Japanese troops, and salutes the unbreakable spirit of those who lived, grieved, and remembered them.

21 Hearts traces the harrowing events that led to Bullwinkel'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.

Written by Jenny Davis and directed by Stuart Halusz, the Western Australian production will find its most appropriate home at the Memorial's new theatre, as it honours this courageous and tragic chapter in Australia's wartime history.

Australian War Memorial Director Matt Anderson said the choice of THEATRE 180's 21 Hearts as the first live performances in the new theatre was fitting. 

“Outside in the grounds stands a statue to Bullwinkel and the slain nurses, which also recognises all Australian nurses who have lost their lives, survived atrocities or made sacrifices while serving their country. Bullwinkel was also the first woman to serve on the Council of the Australian War Memorial, her uniform is on display in the galleries and other artefacts are held in the National Collection, so we welcome this theatre production as another way to share her remarkable story,” Mr Anderson said.

“Vivian Bullwinkel's story speaks directly to the brutality of war. But it also allows us to see the nurses of Banka Island for who they were – young, funny, devoted and professional. 

“21 Hearts asks us to reflect both on what we lost with their murder, and what we have gained by their example, their love for one another and for the nursing profession. This play reminds us that behind every name, there is a voice, a story, and a legacy.”

These performances are made possible with the help of Presenting Partner - Department of Veterans' Affairs - and are the centrepiece of public programs scheduled at the Australian War Memorial to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the end of the Second World War.
 
Tickets on sale at www.awm.gov.au/21-hearts