Cirrus@Austlit

'There are three things that have divided this nation right down the centre. Conscription, Whitlam and Lindy Chamberlain.

'Filled with humour and heartbreak, this stunning new work by award-winning playwright Alana Valentine explores the public’s relationship with one of 20th Century Australia’s most iconic figures.

'The court case captivated a nation. A mother accused of murdering her child, her claim – that the baby was taken by a dingo – denied and discredited by zealous police and a flawed legal system. The media circus, the rumours, the nation’s prejudices laid bare. And in the eye of the storm – Lindy Chamberlain.

'Over three decades, from baby Azaria’s death to the final coroner’s report, the public’s fascination with Lindy has seldom waned. The National Library in Canberra holds a collection of more than 20,000 letters to Lindy. From sympathy to abuse, from marriage proposals to death threats and photos of dogs’ birthday parties (yes, really!), the correspondence traverses the gamut of human response to Lindy’s story.

'Letters to Lindy draws on this extraordinary correspondence and interviews with Lindy herself, to create an enthralling, revealing, and long overdue dialogue between Lindy and the nation. It paints a singular portrait of the heartbreak, wisdom and resilience of a grieving mother.' (Production summary)