Is That You, Ruthie? The Play

Leah Purcell

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English

Queensland Univ. Press
11 March 2025

Film movie scripts & screenplays; Autobiography: general; Memoirs; Plays & playscripts

Adapted for the stage by acclaimed actor-writer-director Leah Purcell, Is That You, Ruthie? The Play brings Ruth Hegarty's iconic memoir to a new audience.

In the 1930's, a family seeking refuge from the Depression arrived at Queensland's oppressive Cherbourg Aboriginal Mission. Unbeknownst to them, they were stepping into a life dictated by 'The Act'. The eldest daughter, Ruby (Buthalangi), and her baby, Ruth (Munya), were placed in the Women's Dormitory - a system that would forever change their lives. When Ruth was just four and a half years old, she was removed entirely from her mother's care, only to be forced into domestic service years later. Yet, despite the harsh realities of institutional life, the Dommo Girls forged connections that became a source of strength, joy and a lifelong friendship that helped them survive.

Based on the David Unaipon Award-winning memoir Is That You, Ruthie?, Leah Purcell's playscript is a poignant exploration of the journeys a mother and daughter take to find their way back to each other. Capturing Hegarty's signature humour and courage, this masterful adaptation is a rich tapestry of truth-telling that delves into the complex aftermath of the government's removal policy.

By: Leah Purcell
Imprint: Queensland Univ. Press
Country of Publication: Australia
Dimensions: Height: 197mm, Width: 130mm, Spine: 10mm
Weight: 138g
ISBN: 9780702269271
ISBN 10: 0702269271
Pages: 144
Publication Date: 11 March 2025
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Leah Purcell AM is an internationally acclaimed, multi-award winning playwrite, actor, producer, director, and a proud Goa-Gunggari-Wakka Wakka Murri woman from Queensland. The Drover's Wife the Legend of Moll Johnson was Leah's debut feature film, which she wrote, directed and co-produced as well as starring in the leading role. Her previous adaptations of the original Henry Lawson short story, The Drover's Wife, includes the multi-awarding-winning theatrical play and the best-selling book. Leah's theatre directing credits include brothers Wreck, Don't Take Your Love to Town, Stolen, The Story of the Miracles at Cookie's Table, Radiance and 7 Stages of Grieving. She is also the best selling author of the anthology, Black Chicks Talking

Reviews for Is That You, Ruthie? The Play

'Aunty Ruth's story doesn't shy away from the harrowing and heart-breaking, yet, it is a truth told with light and shade, laughter and tears, made only more visceral with Leah's talent for bringing stories to life on stage.' -John Kotzas AM, Chief Executive QPAC 'Amid the tears and the laughter, Purcell captures the resilience and indomitable spirit of a woman who has defied Australia's oppressive racist policies.' -Arts Hub 'While a full-on dramatic adaptation of Ruth's story could create a six-part mini-series, this 90-minute one-act play is the perfect encapsulation. And, apart from a cuppa with this 94-year-old Queensland legend herself, there's no better way to meet Ruth than to see her play.'-Stage Whispers 'Purcell and Hegarty share the same creative agenda: both women blend the personal with the political through autobiographical storytelling and the power of witnessing.' -The Conversation