CATALPA: Flight to Freedom

The rescue of six Fenian prisoners from the fortress of Fremantle Prison was one of the most daring and audacious prison breaks in Australia’s history.

Two years in the planning, involving espionage, secret letters, undercover operatives who travelled from Boston to Western Australia to enact the plan, a love affair, a rescue ship masquerading as a whaleboat, a desperate boat chase and the threat of war against the might of America, this story has all the hallmarks of a major Hollywood movie and all the heart of an Irish ballad.

Perfectly suited to THEATRE 180’s ground-breaking CinePlay genre with its sprawling storyline, cast of thousands and epic landscapes from the high seas to 19th century Western Australia, CATALPA: Flight to Freedom is an important part of our recent history. Its themes of bold ideas, daring action and beliefs in the value of political free will are indicative of the Western Australian character.

Fremantle Prison was known as a ‘living tomb’, a place of hellish imprisonment and far from the green fields of Ireland and the land of birth for these freedom fighters seeking independence from centuries of crippling British rule.

Featuring Myles Pollard, Tadhg Lawrence and Taran Knight, CATALPA: Flight to Freedom is a dramatic and gripping tale of hope and adventure at Saltwater Busselton.