Dancing in Fetters: The Culture of Convict Dance
A new exhibition shedding light on the nature of dance as an expression of freedom, defiance and self-identity.
16 Sep 2023 - 28 Jan 2024
Step back in time and immerse yourself in the mesmerizing world of convict dance and music.
Fremantle Prison proudly presents an exhibition curated from the extensive doctoral research of Dr. Heather Blasdale Clarke.
Unearth the poignant tales of defiance, freedom, and self-expression through dance in the early penal colony.
Witness an extraordinary blend of history and art, enhanced with interactive tutorials, first-hand convict accounts, and rare artefacts.
From convict ships to colonial prisons, uncover stories spun from unlikely sources like medical journals and police reports.
Discover Fremantle Prison’s unique musical narrative, including the story of the Fenians and their voyage of dance and defiance.
The rhythm of the past beckons. Dive into a captivating chapter of Australia’s history like never before!
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government’s Visions of Australia funding.
Exhibition partners include Abbey Museum of Art and Archaeology and Bush Traditions
