"Summer of the Seventeenth Doll" is a play written by Australian playwright Ray Lawler. It was first performed in 1955 and is considered a classic of Australian theater. The play is set in Melbourne and tells the story of two cane-cutters, Roo and Barney, who come to Melbourne every year during the sugarcane season to spend time with their girlfriends, Olive and Nancy.
The play revolves around the seventeenth summer that Roo and Barney spend with Olive and Nancy. In this particular summer, things begin to change, and the dynamics of their relationships are tested. The characters confront issues of aging, changing aspirations, and the fragility of their romantic ideals. The play explores themes of love, disappointment, and the harsh realities of life.
"Summer of the Seventeenth Doll" is known for its realistic portrayal of Australian working-class culture and has been celebrated for its authentic dialogue and nuanced characterizations. It is often considered a landmark in Australian drama and continues to be performed and studied in theater circles.
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