The summer of the seventeenth doll is a play by Australian playwright Ray Lawler. It was first performed in 1955 and has since become a classic of Australian theater. The play tells the story of two cane cutters, Roo and Barney, who have been spending their summer holidays in the city with their girlfriends, Olive and Nancy, for the past sixteen years.
The play begins as the two couples arrive in the city for the seventeenth summer. However, this year is different as Olive and Nancy have both moved on with their lives and no longer wish to participate in the annual tradition. Roo and Barney are left to confront their own mortality and the changing nature of their relationships.
The summer of the seventeenth doll is a powerful exploration of the passage of time and the challenges that come with it. It highlights the importance of letting go and moving on, even when it is difficult. It also touches on themes of love, loyalty, and friendship, as the characters struggle to hold onto the past while also facing the reality of their present.
One of the most striking aspects of the play is its setting, which takes place in the working-class suburb of Carlton. The setting serves as a metaphor for the characters' own struggles and challenges, as they try to maintain their relationships and way of life in the face of change.
Overall, the summer of the seventeenth doll is a poignant and thought-provoking play that continues to resonate with audiences today. Its themes of love, loyalty, and the passage of time are timeless and universal, making it a must-see for anyone interested in theater or the human experience.
