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Production still for "Minefields and Miniskirts" (2004). L-R: Tracy Bartram as The Journalist, Debra Byrne as The Nurse, Tracy Mann as The Vietnam Vet's Wife, Wendy Stapleton as The Entertainer, Robyn Arthur as The Volunteer. Photographer: Lisa Tomasetti

Minefields and Miniskirts (2004)

By Terence O'Connell

09 July 2004 – 07 August 2004 Merlyn Theatre

Adapted from the novel by Siobhan McHugh

Playbox Theatre Company,

New Adaptation Theatre World Premiere

Nearly a thousand Australian women played a part in the Vietnam War, and this play follows the experiences of five composite characters....Their experiences were extraordinary - and they've now been brought to life in this collage of true stories.

Adapted by Terence O'Connell from award-winning writer Siobhan McHugh's book, Minefields and Miniskirts brings to life a collage of true stories from the women who played a part in the Vietnam War. When their paths cross on Anzac Day in the 1980s, a helicopter hovers over them, transporting the women back to Vietnam with memories of rice paddies and richly coloured paper lanterns, orphaned children and the terror of constant bombardment.

Production still for "Minefields and Miniskirts" (2004). L-R: Debra Byrne as The Nurse, Tracy Bartram as The Journalist. Photographer: Lisa Tomasetti

Production still for "Minefields and Miniskirts" (2004). L-R: Debra Byrne as The Nurse, Tracy Bartram as The Journalist, Robyn Arthur as The Volunteer. Photographer: Lisa Tomasetti

Production still for "Minefields and Miniskirts" (2004). L-R: Debra Byrne as The Nurse, Robyn Arthur as The Volunteer, Wendy Stapleton as The Entertainer. Photographer: Lisa Tomasetti

Production still for "Minefields and Miniskirts" (2004). L-R: Tracy Mann as The Vietnam Vet's Wife, Tracy Bartram as The Journalist, Debra Byrne as The Nurse, Robyn Arthur as The Volunteer, Wendy Stapleton as The Entertainer. Photographer: Lisa Tomasetti

Production still for "Minefields and Miniskirts" (2004). L-R: Debra Byrne as The Nurse, Tracy Bartram as The Journalist. Photographer: Lisa Tomasetti

Production still for "Minefields and Miniskirts" (2004). L-R: Debra Byrne as The Nurse, Tracy Bartram as The Journalist, Robyn Arthur as The Volunteer. Photographer: Lisa Tomasetti

Production still for "Minefields and Miniskirts" (2004). L-R: Debra Byrne as The Nurse, Robyn Arthur as The Volunteer, Wendy Stapleton as The Entertainer. Photographer: Lisa Tomasetti

Production still for "Minefields and Miniskirts" (2004). L-R: Tracy Mann as The Vietnam Vet's Wife, Tracy Bartram as The Journalist, Debra Byrne as The Nurse, Robyn Arthur as The Volunteer, Wendy Stapleton as The Entertainer. Photographer: Lisa Tomasetti