The Dichotomy of City and Bush

Understanding Australian culture is pivotal to grasping the depth of Summer of the Seventeenth Doll. Australia historically divides itself between the bustling city life and the rugged, earthy existence known as "the bush." The bush represents authenticity, a testament to rugged masculinity characterized by traits such as strength, bravery, and self-reliance. It's a domain where men form deep "mateship" bonds, a unique camaraderie born from shared struggles and steadfast loyalty. In stark contrast, cities like Melbourne, where the play unfolds, symbolize a betrayal of these bush values, showcasing a more urban and cosmopolitan lifestyle.

Setting the Stage

Summer of the Seventeenth Doll takes place entirely within the confines of a Melbourne home, capturing the intimate drama of personal lives colliding. Roo and Barney, canecutters from the far reaches of Queensland, visit Melbourne annually during their lay-off season. For the past sixteen years, they have shared their summer breaks with two barmaids, Olive and Nancy, creating a ritual steeped in tradition and hedonism. However, this seventeenth summer marks a shift; Nancy has married, leaving a void that Olive seeks to fill with Pearl, another barmaid.

Symbols and Shattered Illusions

The seventeenth carnival doll, brought by Roo for Olive, symbolizes their ephemeral romance. However, this summer heralds a deviation from the past. The absence of Nancy introduces tension, as Pearl is unimpressed by Barney. Moreover, Roo's financial struggles and unstable work history surface, revealing cracks in the once idyllic façade. As the play progresses, it becomes evident how these seasonal rituals were built on illusions, with the past's enchantment giving way to the harsh truths of aging and unmet expectations.

Unraveling Relationships

The play meticulously unravels with a dismal New Year’s Eve, a stark contrast to the festive celebrations of yore. Here, the characters confront their vulnerabilities: Olive clings to the dream, Barney is exposed as a braggart, and Roo, once the epitome of the robust bushman, has succumbed to the harsh realities of city life. Pearl remains a reluctant participant, unwilling to indulge in the facade. The arrival of Dowd, a young canecutter, exacerbates Roo's insecurities as he confronts the end of his prime, sparking a feud with Barney that reveals their mutual disappointments.

Confronting Reality

In the heated moment of confrontation, Roo and Barney lay bare the truths they've hidden: Barney's failed romantic endeavors and Roo's diminished prowess in the fields. Their physical altercation is interrupted by Olive and her mother, prompting Roo's harsh acknowledgment of their reality. "A coupla lousy no-hopers," he labels himself and Barney, shattering the illusion of their adventurous summers. The destruction of the seventeenth doll, a once cherished symbol, underscores the collapse of their cherished fantasies.

The Cost of Nostalgia

As the final act unfolds, Olive desperately clings to the past, rejecting Roo's marriage proposal. Her horror at the notion of a mundane life—"You think I’ll let it all end up in marriage—every day—a paint factory?"—reflects her refusal to accept the transformation of their summer idyll into ordinariness. Roo, resigned to their fate, acknowledges the inevitability of a grounded existence: "This is the dust we’re in and we’re gunna walk through it like everyone else for the rest of our lives." Barney's attempt to salvage their mateship is met with silence as Roo destroys the seventeenth doll, signaling the end of an era.

The play leaves us pondering the cost of nostalgia and the relentless march of time that erodes youthful dreams. Ultimately, Summer of the Seventeenth Doll is a poignant exploration of change, the passage of time, and the often painful transition from illusion to reality.