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3 people on a boat

Premiering on Wednesday 20 September, at the WA Maritime Museum, Fremantle, Taking Liberty celebrates one of the greatest moments in Australian sporting history — the defeat of America’s yacht 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 5 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 celebrates an event that defined a nation and gave international prominence to Australia’s cultural identity and fighting spirit. Doing so ended America’s 132-year dominance in what became known as the Race of the Century.

This performance from Theatre 180 is part of an exciting program of events at the WA Maritime Museum organised to celebrate the 40th anniversary of this historic victory, including the exhibition Australia II: 40 Years On.

Theatre 180 has proudly told Western Australian stories for more than 30 years, and has been behind acclaimed productions including, The Lighthouse Girl Saga, Sydney II: Lost and Found, and A.B. Facey’s A Fortunate Life.

Taking Liberty includes West Australian cast favourites: Joel Jackson, Luke Hewitt and Kazimir Sas, writer: Ingle Knight,  director: Stuart Halusz, sound designer: Ben Collins, theme song composer: Craig Skelton, visual design: Gneiss Design,  visual production: Sunburnt Films, sound designers: Ben Collins and Noah Ivulich.

Taking Liberty tickets and further information

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Page reviewed 27 February 2023