'Author Ru Pullan has tried to present aspects of Australian character in the setting of Rabaul, about a year after the end of the war.
'His theme is the conflict of mateship and impressive individualism, both tested in the scavanging [sic] atmosphere of war salvage.
[...]
'It centres on the discovery of money during the war buried on an island by Curly , spring-heeled tough, and Scobie, his crippled mate.'
Source:
'New Australian Play in Sydney Undistinguished', The Age, 4 September 1958, p.2.
According to contemporary news reports:
The play [...] is the first Australian play to be accepted by the [Elizabeth Theatre] Trust straight from an author's script.
The now-famous "Doll" was seen by executive director Hugh Hunt in Melbourne before being bought, and "The Shifting Heart" was the winner of a contest.
Source:
'His Desk Is on the Kitchen Table', Australian Women's Weekly, 9 July 1958, p.31.
Premiered at the Elizabethan Theatre, 3 September 1958.
Directed by Nigel Lovell.
Set designed by Frank Hinder.
Cast members included Stewart Ginn, Coralie Neville, Max Osbiston, Grant Taylor, John Gray, and Ken Wayne.
