Artists

Fred Rea, a native of County Cork, Ireland, arrived in Western Australia in 1972. Soon after arriving in WA, Fred joined a local Irish Australian folk band, recording two albums. Still a keen musician and collector of songs, Fred has a particular passion for ballads and folk songs connected to the Fenians and famous Catalpa Rescue. This musical and historical legacy continues through his daughter Fiona Rea, a highly successful songwriter and performer. Peter Murphy, a native of Dublin, Ireland, arrived in Australia in 1970. A lover of history and in particular Australia's convict history, this saw him work closely with Irish Australian historians, contributing to research and publication of numerous books (4) and periodicals. Peter also wrote, produced and directed a number of plays based on the life of Irish poet and Fenian, John Boyle O'Reilly. Known also for his sense of Irish humour, Peter doesn't mind the odd stand-up opportunity. Fred and Peter have just launched their 120 page coffee-table-book 'Fremantle to Freedom' to celebrate the 150th Anniversary of the Catalpa Rescue. Their duo performance includes images/songs/storytelling/poetry/humour that follows in the trials and tribulations of the six Fenian prisoners escape from Fremantle Prison and their arrival in America in 1876. Their book will be available for sale during the festival.