The trial of Eugenia Falleni is one of the most complex and compelling cases to come before a court in Australia’s history. Eugenia, who migrated from Italy to New Zealand as a child, worked a ship in the middle of the Pacific Ocean as a young sailor, Eugene Falleni, was discovered by the all male crew to be a woman. After this revelation she was brutally assaulted, raped and dumped in Newcastle, Australia - pregnant and destitute.
She again assumed a male identity, living life in Sydney as a man, Harry Crawford. Harry worked physically demanding jobs and married a woman, Annie Birkett. Her discovery led to the fateful events in the Lane Cover River Park, and eventually to the exposure of Harry Crawford as Eugenia Falleni. Placed on trial for the murder of Annie, Eugenia faced a trial marred by sensational and prejudicial coverage by the press
A new work is in progress inspired by one of Australia's most intriguing characters
