Catalpa

Catalpa By Donal O’Kelly Featuring Des Fleming Direction Alice Bishop Composer Wally Gunn, Lighting Bronwyn Pringle, Musician James Rushford Perth Theatre Trust, Subiaco Arts Centre and ITCH Productions presents the West Australian premiere of Catalpa by Donal O’ Kelly. Forget Alcatraz…1876…Fremantle, Australia… The true story of the whaling ship ‘Catalpa’, and her captain George Anthony has been described as one of the most extraordinary prison escapes of all time linking Ireland, Australia and the United States of America. It was a mission that spanned the globe and culminated in the rescue of six Irish Fenian political prisoners from Fremantle Prison. This electrifying one-man show, performed by Irish born Des Fleming, captivated audiences during its Melbourne season and proved both a critical and box office success. In 2008 Catalpa received two Green Room Award Nominations for Direction and Music. The Catalpa rescue is an epic highlight of West Australian history, a commemorative sculpture was dedicated in 2005 by the City of Rockingham at the site of the actual rescue. The sculpture comprises six bronze, over life-size wild geese taking flight towards the Indian Ocean, the setting sun and freedom from Fremantle Prison through the Port of Rockingham and onto Massachusetts, United States. A perfect complement to St Patrick’s celebrations: this rich, lyrical play builds into an astonishingly gripping tapestry, a ripping yarn brought to life by word and sound alone. “It's a triumph, a joy and a delight. I beg you to go and see it." The Irish Times “The role demands immense range and virtuosity from actor Des Fleming, and exceptional detail from director Alice Bishop. The production achieves both.” Martin Ball – The Age “Fleming is a rare talent of an actor, versatile, understated and powerful all at once. Alice Bishop did a wonderful job with an objective eye, dictating the momentum and tempo of the piece and staging it seamlessly. The original music and sound performed live by Wally Gunn is perfectly suited to the production.” Paul Kooperman – Australian Stage Online “Fleming gives a clean, polished and thoroughly engaging performance.” Chris Thorpe – Arts Hub PREVIEW: Friday 11 March @ 7.30pm SEASON: Saturday 12 to Saturday 19 March 2011 @ 7.30pm MATINEE: Saturday 19 March @ 2pm WHERE: Subiaco Arts Centre, 180 Hamersley St, Subiaco BOOKINGS: BOCS Ticketing 9484 1133 or www.bocsticketing.com.au or at any BOCS outlet GROUP BOOKINGS: Ph 9321 6831: Buy 10 tickets and get one free *TICKETS: Standard $38 Concession $33 Student Rush $20, available 15 minutes before the show. Conditions apply. *Prices include booking fees. Transaction fees may apply. Special $5 Pint of Guinness on presentation of ticket at the bar