THE HATPIN is inspired by the truestory of Amber Murray who in 1892 gave up her son to the Makin family in Sydney, Australia.
THE HATPIN tells story of a single mother, Amber Murray, who advertised her baby in a newspaper trading column in the hope of saving his life...and ended up embroiled in one of the most captivating, moving and exciting criminal trials in Australian history. Using the moral support she gains from her friendship with the free spirited Harriet Piper, Amber fights the injustices of circumstance and tragedy to find hope and strength.
A moving and hopeful story about friendship and courage. Dealing with motherhood, poverty and the resilience of women thriving under extraordinary pressures, this show looks at the publics judgment of private choice, the power of self-liberty and the notion of care.
This case of Amber Murray vs. The Makins was influential in bringing about awareness in society of the need for welfare for single-mothers and the demand for a review of the Australian Child Protection Act.
"A powerful piece of musical theatre...A landmark moment in Australian musical theatre" -Mark Hopkins, Sydney Morning Herald.
"A sophisticated work...Taking the Australian musical a notch higher" Troy Lennon, Daily Telegraph.
"The Audience is gripped by the kind of tension and horror normally associated with a Hitchcock thriller...See it now! -Diana Simmonds, Stagenoise.com.
"Gutsy, gritty, dark, funny, clever, rich in history and thoroughly moving...Strong casting and rich characters...The Hatpin is a revelation in Australian theatre" -Joanna Erskine, Aussietheatre.com.au.