Western Australia’s Compelling True Story Of “Taking Liberty” To Tour Regional WA
“TAKING LIBERTY brought back all the emotion and excitement of the 1983 America’s Cup – it felt like I was back at the helm of Australia II with the whole of Australia watching the Race of the Century!” John Bertrand AO
CircuitWest is pleased to announce the next production in its popular Shows on the Go program. From the company behind 21 Hearts: Vivian Bullwinkel & The Nurses of the Vyner Brooke, Sydney II: Lost and Found and A.B. Facey’s A Fortunate Life, comes a gripping new adaptation of Ingle Knight’s award-winning play Taking Liberty, set to tour regional Western Australia from 15 November.
Created by leading Western Australian theatre company THEATRE 180, in collaboration with WA Museum, Taking Liberty retells one of the greatest moments in Australian sporting history – the defeat of America’s Liberty by Australia II in the 1983 America’s Cup final.
In an epic, against-the-odds finish to a best-of-seven race, Skipper John Bertrand led his crew to turn the tide from a 3-1 deficit in race five and claim victory in a nail-biting decider; one of the biggest comebacks in sporting history.
Combining the excitement of live theatre against a cinematic backdrop, Taking Liberty by Ingle Knight celebrates the moment in time which defined a nation and gave international prominence to our cultural identity and fighting spirit, ending America’s 132-year dominance of the sport in what became known as the Race of the Century.
A story of enormous national significance: one of grit, perseverance, technological innovation and the athleticism of those who changed the course of history.
Stuart Halusz, Artistic Director THEATRE 180, says, “THEATRE 180 is proud to continue our 31-year history of telling Western Australian stories with this production. It celebrates a true West Australian triumph, and we’re so excited to share that energy with regional audiences across the state. There’s something really special about performing this story in the place it belongs to.”
“Taking Liberty is made to entertain. Filled with colourful characters, drama and laughs aplenty, this play takes us back to the moment in time when Western Australia was put on the world map. It’s also packed with moments that will surprise and move you, and at times will have you on the edge of your seat,“ he said.
Philippa Maughan, Executive Director CircuitWest, says, “Shows on the Go is about giving Perth outer metro and regional communities access to high-quality, professional theatre that’s also a fantastic night out. Taking Liberty is exciting, energetic, and rich in storytelling, tapping into our deep love of local stories and histories.”
The Shows on the Go tour will visit:
- 15 November – Mount Magnet
- 18 November – Newman
- 21 November – Broome
- 28 November – Bunbury
- 30 November – Denmark
- 3 December – Boddington
- 4 December – Cuballing
- 6 December – Gosnells
- 9 December – Esperance
- 11 December – Albany
- 13 December – Merredin
- 16 December – Donnybrook
This tour and the Shows on the Go program is delivered by CircuitWest and is supported by the WA State Government.
Taking Liberty: Directed by Stuart Halusz. Assistant Director – Craig Williams and featuring Stuart Halusz, Luke Hewitt and Jarryd Dobson.
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Media Contact:
Weng-Si Cheang, Manager, Research and Audience Development
Phone: 08 6202 1045
Email: wcheang@circuitwest.com.au