140 Years - A Forgotten Tragedy Comes to Life at Woodman Point Quarantine Station

THEATRE 180, proudly supported by the WA Government, brings the extraordinary history of one of Western Australia's most significant heritage sites to life.

In Their Care: Woodman Point Quarantine Station

By Jenny Davis

Directed by Stuart Halusz

Featuring Cal Silberstein, Sienna Cate, Emily Lambert, Ryan Tierney and Emily Gelineau

October 31 - November 8, 2026

Woodman Point Quarantine Station

(located in Woodman Point Recreation Camp)

This year marks the 140th anniversary of Woodman Point Quarantine Station, a place steeped in stories of courage, sacrifice, isolation and survival. Now you have the chance to experience one of its most extraordinary chapters through a new theatrical work, performed on the heritage site itself.

In Their Care tells the story of the Boonah tragedy of 1918, when the troopship HMAT Boonah returned to Fremantle carrying hundreds of soldiers infected with Spanish influenza.

The Boonah was the last Australian troopship to leave Fremantle during World War I. After the Armistice was announced, she turned for home, but an outbreak of Spanish flu tore through her crowded decks. By the time the ship reached Fremantle, more than 300 cases had been reported, and the sickest soldiers were transferred to Woodman Point Quarantine Station. By the end of the crisis, 27 soldiers and four nurses had died.

Among those who answered the call were nurses who knowingly risked their own lives to care for the sick and dying. Their courage and devotion sit at the heart of In Their Care.

Performed in an intimate readers-theatre style, the production features four actors and a live musician, bringing this history to life with nothing between you and the story.

Director Stuart Halusz says the setting creates a powerful connection between audience and history:

"In Their Care is about putting people back at the centre of this history. We know the broad facts of the Boonah tragedy, but behind those facts were individuals - soldiers, nurses, families and staff - who were confronted with fear, illness, separation and extraordinary choices. To tell their stories in the actual place where many of these events occurred is incredibly moving. The simplicity of the readers-theatre form allows the audience to listen, imagine and connect with these people in a very direct way."

The production also draws on the wider history of the Quarantine Station, which for over a century operated as a place of isolation for people affected by infectious diseases including plague, Spanish flu, smallpox, leprosy, measles and scarlet fever. Around 350 - 400 vessels came under quarantine in Western Australia during the station's history.

In Their Care is a rare chance to step inside a remarkable heritage site and encounter the human stories that remain embedded in its history.

Important information

Address: Woodman Point Recreation Camp, 74 O'Kane Court, Coogee 6166.
Entry: Drive to the end of O'Kane Court and enter through the gate where your name will be checked of. You will be directed to drive through the facility where there will be directional signs.
Parking: Parking is available immediately adjacent to the Dining Hall where the performance will take place. There will be parking attendants to assist.
Accessibility: This event is wheelchair accessible. If you have any questions about access, please get in touch via info@theatre180.com.au / 0414 345 381
Seating: This venue has unreserved seating
Duration: The performance duration is 60 minutes with no interval

Age suitability: The performance is recommended for ages 10 years+
Food/Drink: Refreshments will be available to purchase

IN THEIR CARE: Woodman Point Quarantine Station

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General Admission ticket

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THEATRE 180