FILLED with humour and heartbreak, Letters to Lindy is a stunning work by award-winning playwright Alana Valentine (Parramatta Girls, Head Full of Love) which explores the public’s relationship with one of 20th Century Australia’s most iconic figures.
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The story of Lindy Chamberlain consumed and divided Australia. A mother accused of murdering her child after her claim – that nine-week-old Azaria Chamberlain was taken by a dingo near Uluru, Central Australia - was denied and discredited by zealous police and a flawed legal system.
More than three decades after baby Azaria’s death to the final coroner’s report the public wrote more than 20,000 letters to Lindy Chamberlain. Letters to Lindy draws on this correspondence as well as extensive interviews with Lindy Chamberlain-Creighton herself.
The media circus, the rumours, the mob mentality and a nation’s prejudices are laid bare in this production.
Letters to Lindy is touching, authentic and provides a deep insight into one of the most compelling legal and human dramas of our times. It paints a singular portrait of the heartbreak, wisdom and resilience of a grieving mother and her 30-year fight for justice.
In the Sydney Morning Herald review Jason Blake says of Letters to Lindy: “…A fascinating collage depicting Australian attitudes to grief, justice, celebrity, and to women who do not conform to expectations… Cronin’s pitch-perfect Lindy … is a warm, earthy, personable focal point in an evening that rises strongly in the final minutes to pay tribute to Chamberlain's resilience and to the child she lost.”
Letters to Lindy is an important new work of Australian theatre. It reminds us of how we get it wrong; that sexism and racism and prejudice can be deeply ingrained in the public narrative.
Lindy Chamberlain was judged because she stood apart from what was considered “normal” behaviour of a woman grieving for her child. We also allowed suspicions about the Chamberlains’ religion to taint our perceptions of their innocence.
Letters to Lindy is presented be performed at Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre on Tuesday, July 17. Tickets can be purchased online www.bmec.com.au or on 6333 6161.
The touring production will feature the original cast of Jeanette Cronin (Crownies, Janet King and Rake) as Lindy Chamberlain alongside Glenn Hazeldine, Phillip Hinton and Jane Phegan. It is skillfully directed by Darren Yap (Ladies Day, Miracle City).
