Taking Liberty
By Ingle Knight
In collaboration with WA Museum
Directed by Stuart Halusz. Assistant Director Craig Williams. Featuring Stuart Halusz, Luke Hewitt and Jarryd Dobson.
THEATRE 180 in collaboration with WA Museum presents one of the greatest moments in Australian sporting history – the defeat of Liberty by Australia II in the 1983 America’s Cup.
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 innovations and the athleticism of those who changed the course of history.
“THEATRE 180 is proud to continue our 31-year history of telling Western Australian stories with this production. Taking Liberty, as the title promises, highlights the tenacity, audacity and larrikin belief in resounding success which characterised the 1983 campaign to wrest America’s Cup from the bolt holes of the New York Yacht Club, where it had sat firmly for 132 years.
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 and the stage was set for the port city of Fremantle, where Australia II and her famous winged-keel now proudly hangs in our WA Maritime Museum, to shine.”
Stuart Halusz, Artistic Director THEATRE 180
DURATION: 90min (no interval)
LOCATION:
Como Theatre, 16 Preston Street, Como WA 6152
2025 SEASON DATES:
Wednesday 14 May | 7pm
Thursday 15 May | 11am & 7pm
Friday 16 May | 11am & 7pm
Saturday 17 May | 2pm & 7pm
Sunday 18 May | 5pm
Important information
- Foyer doors open one hour prior to the performance, with theatre doors opening 30 minutes prior to the performance.
- Seating is unreserved on a first come first served basis unless accessibility requirements are advised.
- The performance duration is 90 minutes with no interval.
- This event is wheelchair accessible. If you have any questions about access, please get in touch via info@theatre180.com.au
- The performance is recommended for ages 9 and older.
Image: Stewart Thorpe Photography
“
Loved the preview of Taking Liberty we saw yesterday at WA Maritime Museum. I felt like I was on Australia II, especially for the last race. Just exhilarating.
- Madeleine Cox
Brilliant show!
- Angela Rooney
Great show! Bravo to all involved.
- Sue Hutchinson
Fantastic production - wow! Stellar performances from all three actors.
- Vicki Green
Absolutely BRILLIANT show! Loved every second! I feel like I was there in the race itself. Congratulations to everyone involved.
- Deb Skelton
What a superb performance. Highly recommended.
- Wendy Newton
Such a great show and great actors.
- Dino Ronchi
The Team
Writer
Ingle Knight
Director
Stuart Halusz
Assistant Director
Craig Williams
Cast
Stuart Halusz
Luke Hewitt
Jarryd Dobson
Sound Design & Programmer
Ben Collins
Visual Designer
Gneiss Design
Visual Production
Sunburnt Films
Costume Designers
Neil Sheriff & Ingrid Zurzolo
Assistant Sound Designer
Noah Ivulich
Theme Song Composer
Craig Skelton
Stage Manager
Craig Williams
Assistant Stage Manager
Aaron Stirk
Additional Information & Acknowledgements
Thank You To:
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As an independent, not-for-profit theatre company, we welcome any form of support. Donations of $2.00 or more are tax-deductible.
The THEATRE 180 Public Fund (ABN: 33 042 434 145) is a tax deductible fund listed on the Australian Government’s Register of Cultural Organisations maintained under Subdivision 30-F of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1997.
ALL DONATIONS ARE MAINTAINED IN A SPECIAL PUBLIC FUND ADMINISTRATED BY THEATRE 180 AND THESE FUNDS WILL ONLY BE USED FOR THE PRINCIPAL PURPOSE OF THE ORGANISATION.
THEATRE 180 Public Fund
Robin Tunnicliffe FCPA CPM, Jenny Davis OAM, Stuart Halusz
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