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 23 May to 8 June 2025.
Brought to life by Whadjuk Noongar actor Owen Hasluck and celebrated Noongar director Ian Wilkes, Mr 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.
Mr Hasluck, a rising star of Australian theatre, is making his Black Swan debut in the role of Mark. A 2023 NIDA graduate, he 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 Mr Wilkes.
Mr Wilkes is a Noongar man with connection to the Wadjuk and Ballardong people. A theatre-maker, director, performer, writer and dancer, he 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.
Artistic Director Kate Champion said Black Swan is "thrilled to welcome Owen" to the theatre company.
"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," she said.
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.
Black Swan says the play "promises a moving and unforgettable experience - rich with cultural connection and raw humanity".