Summer of the 17th doll essays

Summer of the 17th doll essays Ray Lawlers, Summer of the 17th doll captures the aura of a rapidly changing 1950s, focusing on the failures of a dilapidated Melbourne household, whilst also illustrating the changing characters of the Australian nation. Built around the traditions of a lay off period Lawlers famous play, in its language, costume and setting is exotically Australian and explores the failures of Australias characters to grow up and recognize there is future, beyond high times and livin Lawlers play, directed by Rod Kinnear, in 1977, although staying fairly true to the original script fails to capture the aura and importance of the lay off, whilst also alters audience perceptions of Lawlers characters. True to the play, Sumner shatters the Olives vision of the lay off, however such a dramatic event fails in its intended effect upon the audience. Lawlers stage directions are quick to establish the importance of the lay off even before a word is spoken. With little pattern or taste evident in the furniture, the souvenirs and kewpie dolls are the main decorative features. These, by themselves represent the long-standing tradition between the characters, Olive, Roo and Barney. Similarly through the likes of Bubba, Lawler is quick to establish a feel of excitement throughout his play. Bubba, is a youthful figure who enjoys and anticipates the tradition of the lay off and thus in her manner she continues to create audience anticipation for the arrival of Roo and Barney and thus the beginning of the extensive tradition. Bubbas walking sticks, yet another symbol of the lay off do not impress Pearl, however the audience are still able to sense the excitement and aura such a tradition brings to the small Melbournian household. Although Lawler carefully constructs the aura of the lay o...