QPAC

Acclaimed play heads back home for community reading

Mon 26 May 2025

QPAC proudly presented a second season of the acclaimed Is That You, Ruthie? and then took it back to the region in which it was set with a special public play reading.

Premiering at QPAC in 2023, the powerful play based on Dr Ruth Hegarty’s books - award winning Is That You, Ruthie? and Buthalangi: A Maranoa Woman - shares a personal and profound chapter of Australia’s truth-telling history.

Written and directed by Leah Purcell – renowned First Nations stage and film actress, novelist, playwright and director – Is That You, Ruthie? is a story of resilience, courage and the enduring human spirit.

A poignant exploration of a mother and daughter’s enduring connection; the deeply moving play delves into the complex aftermath of a government removal policy that separated a mother (Ruby) and daughter (Ruthie) from 1930 to 1957, leaving scars that could never fully heal.

Under government policy, Ruthie lived in the dormitory at Queensland’s oppressive Cherbourg Aboriginal Mission, from the age of six months old, until her late teens, when she was sent to work as a domestic servant on properties across Queensland.

Following the return season in March 2025, QPAC was delighted to facilitate a special visit by Leah and cast to Leah's hometown of Murgon, Queensland, for a free public reading of the play at her former high school (Murgon State High School).

This visit essentially took the powerful play back to ground zero as Murgon is only 6 kms from Cherbourg.

The event was a great success, attended by over 140 members of the Community, including Aunty Ruthie and members of her family, and Year 11 and 12 students. 

The play reading by cast members Melodie Reynolds-Diarra (Ruthie) and Shakira Clanton (Ruby), with direction by Leah, received a standing ovation.

The audience was also very moved and appreciative of a Q and A with the irrepressible Queensland Great, local legend, community elder, activist and award-winning author Aunty Ruthie herself joining the cast and Leah on stage.

Check out this uplifting video showcasing the emotional impact of bringing this important truth telling play back to the community and photos in the social gallery below. 

Social Gallery

  • Leah Purcell with Aunty Ruth and family member at the Play reading in Murgon
  • Leah Purcell with cast members Melodie Reynolds-Diarra, Shakira Clanton and Murgon SHS students QPAC
  • Melodie Reynolds-Diarra, Leah Purcell and Shakira Clanton with students from Murgon State High School
  • Cast of Is That You Ruthie, Melodie Reynolds-Diarra and Shakira Clanton at the Play reading
  • Shakira ClantonQPAC
  • Leah Purcell, Dr Ruth Hegarty, Shakira Clanton and Melodie Reynolds-DiarraQPAC
  • Leah Purcell, Dr Ruth Hegarty, and Shakira Clanton QPAC
  • Leah Purcell with cast on stage at the Is That You, Ruthie play reading in Murgon

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