The 150th anniversary of Irish political prisoner John Boyle O'Reilly escaping from a convict road camp near Bunbury will be celebrated this week.
Following his dramatic escape, O'Reilly made his way to Boston, USA where he was instrumental in an international incident involving Australia, England and USA - the Catalpa Rescue.
Written and directed by award-winning playwright Noel O'Neill, and presented by Maverick Theatre Productions, The Trials of John Boyle O'Reilly will be performed at Bunbury Museum + Heritage Centre on Friday, June 28.
The incredible story will be brought to life by actor Mike Anthony Sheehy who plays O'Reilly, and will take the audience on a poetic rollercoaster ride as O'Reilly battles the brutality of convict transportation and imprisonment in the Swan River Penal Colony.
Bunbury's John Boyle O'Reilly Association vice-president Peter Murphy said Bunbury had played an important historical role in the events that unfolded.
"It was such a dramatic escape - not only was O'Reilly's escape dramatic but he also wrote a book called Moondyne, which put Bunbury and Dardanup on the international literary map," he said.
"He was constantly writing stuff down, hence his poetry, which is quite amazing, his depiction of Bunbury in 1868 and 1869 is amazing cosidering there was only around 300 people here.
"The Catalpa rescue probably wouldn't have happened if it wasn't for O'Reilly escaping."
Mr Murphy described O'Reilly as a complex charismatic character, patriotic to his country and family.
"When he went to America he became quite famous and then we was involved in this rescue here in Bunbury and the simple reason was he knew the landscape and the geography," he said.
"Where we are having the show is where the convict depot used to be, which is where O'Reilly was sent from Fremantle.
"We have an icon here who was a pretty good guy and we seem to forget about him as a heritage icon.
"It's 150 years since his escape and he escaped in 1869 and we are celebrating bringing the story back to Bunbury where it all began."
For more information contact 043 997 6507.