It made headlines all around the world, with our prime minister at the time calling it a "suicidal disregard of life"; but now the events of Cowra's prisoner of war breakout are the inspiration for a renowned Japanese production set to launch here soon.
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Making its Australian debut in Cowra next month, Tokyo's Rinkogun Theatre's production of "Honchos Meeting in Cowra" follows life in the POW camp before the Japanese prisoners' push to fulfil the Imperial Military's regulation requiring them to die rather than be captured.
Written by the company's founder Yoji Sakate, the story is shown through the lens of fictional film students, who travel to the camp in the present-day to make a documentary about the breakout.
The major theatrical premiere is the crown jewel of the 70th anniversary commemorations, which kick off at the beginning of August.
The play will be performed in both Japanese and English, with English subtitles and five Australian actors alongside the Japanese cast.
In preparation for the performance, members of the community have been building sets and props, spearheaded by the Cowra Breakout Association.
The Australian premiere kicks off on Friday, August 1, at 8pm.
It will be followed by a matinee performance on Saturday, August 2, at 2pm, before travelling to Canberra and Sydney.
Tickets for the Cowra performances are on sale at the Cowra Visitor Information Centre.
Adults are $30, concession $25, school-aged students $20, and family tickets (two adults and three children) are $100.
