Last year we told you that actor Owen Hasluck was a talent to keep an eye on when he delivered an impressive performance in Yirra Yaakin’s staging of Songbird. Now the actor has been cast in Blue an acclaimed play that’s next up on Black Swan State Theatre’s schedule.
The company’s set to deliver the West Australian premiere of Blue – which is described as a tender, poetic and emotionally powerful monologue by Kamilaroi writer and Heartbreak High star Thomas Weatherall.
The production is playing at the State Theatre Centre’s Studio Underground from 23 May to 8 June. Ian Wilkes will direct this new production of the acclaimed play.
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.
The production will be Owen Hasluck’s debut with Black Swan. He’s definitely a rising star of Australian theatre. A 2023 NIDA graduate, Owen also completed WAAPA’s Diploma of Acting and Aboriginal Performance Course.
After he made his mainstage debut in Songbird with Yirra Yaakin, and later that year performed in Operation Boomerang, also directed by Ian Wilkes.
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,” said 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.
Blue is playing at the Studio Underground at the State Theatre Centre from 23rd May until 8th June. Tickets are on sale now.
