The Blue Eyed Aborigine

Public Lecture | Updated 1 decade ago

Image copyright of Rosemary Haynes
Rosemay Haynes
Photo from Rosemary Haynes

Rosemary Hayes - Visiting Author

A different take on the Batavia disaster from the viewpoint of the cabin boy Jan Pelgrom during the build up of unrest on board ship, the shipwreck and then the desperate struggle for survival on the Houtman Abrolhos islands.

What led up to these dramatic events? What were the conditions on board that nurtured mutiny? Why did the Captain despise the Commander and, after the shipwreck, how did the mad and charismatic Under Merchant Corneliez persuade sailors and soldiers to massacre all who thwarted his warped plans? Jan was under his spell and it is only after the mutineers are punished and Jan and his soldier companion, Wouter Looes, are marooned on the coast of the empty ‘Southland’ that he can see his actions in perspective.

So what happened to the two young men? Did they survive? Did they integrate with local Aborigines? Recent DNA tests have confirmed that there is Western European DNA in some WA aboriginal people, posing questions about the legacy of the Batavia survivors that remain relevant today.

Join visiting author Rosemary Hayes as she discusses the background to her new novel The Blue Eyed Aborigine which not only describes factual events (the shipwreck, mutiny and massacre) but also imagines the unknown - the lives, relationships and discoveries of the two young Dutchmen as they attempt to settle in a country so different from their native Holland.

The Museum Shop will be open on the night with copies of The Blue Eyed Aborigine (Frances Lincoln Children’s Books, London 2010) available for RRP $16.95.

Entry is $12 per person includes refreshments after the lecture – please pay at the door.

Bookings essential on 9431 8455 (RSVP by 5.00pm, Wednesday 22 September)