The White Divers of Broome

Produced by Black Swan State Theatre Company and Perth International Arts Festival, Hilary's 'The White Divers of Broome' opens on Feb 1st.
Have a peek behind the scenes here.
And there's an interview on The Australian Online.

In the boom times of 1912 Broome, Sydney Pigott is a wealthy pearling master looking for a way around the White Australia Policy, anxious to keep his cheap Asian workers – and his high profits.

Webber, Sanders and Beasily are the cream of the British Navy deep sea divers. Hired by Pigott, they arrive in Broome naïvely convinced they’ll prove their skills when they hit the hazardous seas and collect the precious mother-of-pearl. But desperate Asian crews, shadowy alliances and the ruthless environment of Broome are against the white divers from the beginning. 

From the brothels to the ballrooms to the deep seas, it’s a cutthroat world and trust is hard to find. 

Inspired by the book of the same name by John Bailey, The White Divers of Broome is a celebration of boom time Broome and its exotic clash of cultures. Be captivated by a stirring account of greed, betrayal, loyalty and survival that resonates through the years.

“Hilary Bell will sweep you along in this epic and heartbreaking story, and take you back to a time when the racial and class relations in the exotic frontier town of Broome were watched by the entire country.”Kate Cherry

WORLD PREMIERE

The White Divers of Broome was commissioned by Black Swan State Theatre Company as part of the Rio Tinto Black Swan Commissions.

By Hilary Bell. Inspired by The White Divers of Broome by John Bailey.

Cast Includes: Caitlin Beresford-Ord, Nick Candy, Adriane Daff, Kylie Farmer [Kaarljilba Kaardn], Michelle Fornasier, Stuart Halusz, Sean Hawkins, Yutaka Izumihara, Miyuki Lotz, Greg McNeill, Kenneth Moraleda, Jo Morris, Tom O’Sullivan, Ian Toyne

Director: Kate Cherry

Designers: Set Designer Bruce McKinven, Costume Designer Alicia Clements, Lighting Designer Trent Suidgeest, Sound Designer Ben Collins, Movement Director Claudia Alessi, Assistant Director Damon Lockwood

28 January – 16 February 2012Heath Ledger Theatre, State Theatre Centre of WA