PIG KILLING DAY by M.E. Baird

(for screen or theatre)

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Pig Killing Day could be the most controversial war story to be told in Australian history. Based on real events, the story challenges the mythical notions of ‘mateship, masculinity, brotherhood, sexuality, race, culture, camaraderie, bravery, and nationalism.

 

This is the story of two young soldiers [boys] on opposing sides, Australia and Japan just prior to and during the pacific campaign of World War II.

Beginning in the Mallee region of Northern Victoria, then Japan, Queensland, and finally the New Guinea Jungle.

The story is primarily centred on the companionship between a young Australian soldier and a Japanese soldier of the same age. While cut off from their respective units, isolated and stranded in the New Guinea jungle. Among the brutality, prejudice, isolation and sublime beauty of the tropical mountains, an unexpected bond emerges between these two boys beyond what would ever be supported by popular war yarns.