Is That You, Ruthie?: The play

by Purcell, Leah

• ISBN13: 9780702269271
• ISBN10: 0702269271
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2025-06-04
• Publisher: University of Queensland Press

Summary

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.

Author Biography

Leah Purcell AM is an internationally acclaimed, multi-award-winning playwright, actor, producer, director and a proud Goa-Gunggari-Wakka Wakka Murri woman from Queensland. The Drover’ s Wife The Legend of Molly 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-award-winning theatrical play and the best-selling book. Leah is also the best-selling author of the anthology Black Chicks Talking.