Black Swan State Theatre Company of WA is proud to present the West Australian premiere of Blue – a tender, poetic and emotionally powerful monologue by Kamilaroi writer and Heartbreak High star Thomas Weatherall, playing at the State Theatre Centre’s Studio Underground from May 23 to June 8.
Weatherall’s “very personal fiction” explores what it means to grow up – and keep going – when life throws you off course. Told through a lyrical, introspective lens, this one-man show dives deep into grief, mental health, and the strength it takes to keep moving forward.
Making his Black Swan debut in the role of Mark is Owen Hasluck, a proud Whadjuk Noongar man and rising star of Australian theatre. A 2023 NIDA graduate, Owen also completed WAAPA’s Diploma of Acting and Aboriginal Performance Course. In 2024, he made his mainstage debut in Songbird with Yirra Yaakin, and later that year performed in Operation Boomerang, also directed by Ian Wilkes.
Ian Wilkes is a Noongar man with connection to the Wadjuk and Ballardong people. A theatre-maker, director, performer, writer and dancer, Ian is a graduate of WAAPA’s Aboriginal Theatre course and a recipient of the Perth NAIDOC Award for Artist of the Year. His directing work includes York for Black Swan and Boodjar Kaatijin and Hobo for Yirra Yaakin. He co-directed and performed in Galup and Galup VR for Perth Festival, and in 2023 directed the Festival’s spectacular opening event, Djoondal. As a performer, he has appeared in Hecate, Honey Spot, The Tempest and Black Swan’s Barracking for the Umpire which toured throughout WA in 2024.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Owen to Black Swan,” says Artistic Director Kate Champion. “Blue is a play full of heart, honesty, and hope – and with Ian at the helm, we know this WA premiere will be something truly special.”
Winner of the 2024 Matilda Award for Best New Australian Work, Blue has been praised around the country for its emotional resonance, poetic writing, and honesty.
Whether you’re a regular theatre lover, or discovering Black Swan for the first time, Blue promises a moving and unforgettable experience – rich with cultural connection and raw humanity.
SEASON DETAILS
Venue: Studio Underground, State Theatre Centre of WA
Dates: May 23 – June 8, 2025
Tickets: On sale now at blackswantheatre.com.au
