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 public’s 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.
Director: Dean Mitrousis
Music Director: Nicholas La Mattina
Choreographer: Keir Jasper
Production Manager: Candice Bennett
Produced By: The Waterdale Committee
Cast
Amber Murray: Amy Elliott
Harriet Piper: Jacqui Moore
Agatha Makin: Bianca Payne
Clara Makin: Aimee John
Charles Makin: Dale Gibson
Minnie Davies: Gabi Bergman
Rebecca Rigby: Jessica La Mari
Marianne Leonard: Mary McCarthy
Edward Cleary / Justice Stephens: Adam Turner
Thomas Williamson: Joseph Robinson
James Joyce: Matt Figliola
James Hannoney: Brent Denison
Ensemble
Mary Filmer
Joshua Marzan
Victoria Mertzanidis
Matilda O’Riley
Daryl Stevenson