Plot summary, “Summer of the Seventeenth Doll” by Ray Lawler in 5 Minutes - Book Review
0"Summer of the Seventeenth Doll" is a play written by Australian playwright Ray Lawler. First performed in 1955, it is considered a landmark work in Australian drama and is often referred to as "The Doll."
The play is set in the 1950s and centers around the lives of cane-cutters who spend their summers working in the sugar cane fields of North Queensland and their winters in Melbourne. The narrative revolves around the seventeenth summer of Olive Leech, a woman who eagerly anticipates the arrival of Roo Webber, her lover, and his best friend, Barney Ibbot. Every summer for the past sixteen years, the two men have come to Melbourne to spend the layoff period from their cane-cutting work with Olive and her friend, Nancy.
However, this summer proves to be different. Olive has changed in the past year, and the dynamics of their relationships begin to shift. Roo arrives with news that he has not secured a cane-cutting job, which threatens their usual routine and the dreamlike illusion they have been living. Olive's desperation to maintain the status quo leads to tension and conflict among the characters as they grapple with the reality of aging and the limitations of their dreams.
Lawler's play explores themes of nostalgia, romance, and the passing of time. It delves into the lives of ordinary working-class Australians and their struggles with identity, societal expectations, and the pursuit of happiness. The play also examines the changing role of women in Australian society during the 1950s and their desire for independence and fulfillment.
"Summer of the Seventeenth Doll" is known for its realistic portrayal of characters and its use of colloquial language, capturing the essence of Australian culture. The play was initially met with mixed reviews but gained recognition over time for its authentic representation of Australian life and its ability to resonate with audiences both in Australia and internationally.
The enduring popularity and significance of "Summer of the Seventeenth Doll" lie in its exploration of universal themes of love, loss, and the fleeting nature of happiness. It continues to be performed and studied as a classic of Australian theater, marking a significant milestone in the development of Australian drama and its recognition on the global stage.