Shared Past of Vietnam Orphans

In a poignant exploration of shared histories, Andy Yearley and Barton Williams, who grew up in vastly different parts of the world, have come together to tell their stories through the theatre performance "Precious Cargo" at the Edinburgh Fringe. Both men were part of the Operation Babylift, a mission that rehomed thousands of Vietnamese orphans in the United States, with Yearley being adopted in Scotland and Williams in Australia. Their journey reflects the broader narrative of children affected by the Vietnam War. Andy Yearley, who was adopted by Eileen and Iain Yearley after being found in a Saigon orphanage, expressed the complexity of his past, stating, "They were my parents and I was their child." He acknowledged the limited awareness surrounding the Vietnam War and its impact on orphans, emphasizing the importance of sharing these stories. Despite his extensive career in music, this production marks Yearley’s debut in the theatre industry. The project gained momentum with the involvement of Andrew Eaton-Lewis, who took on the role of producer to help develop the script and connect with other adoptees. His own search for his origins was aided by fellow orphan Toni Angelique Harrison, who continues to seek her biological mother. The producer noted that while time is a pressing concern for many of these individuals, they maintain a positive outlook on their experiences. "Precious Cargo" sheds light on the unique challenges faced by these orphans, including navigating predominantly white environments and confronting instances of racism. Many of the children were orphaned due to the war, while others were separated from their families amidst the chaos, highlighting the lasting impact of historical events on personal identities.