Black Swan State Theatre Company have announced that Artistic Director Kate Champion will leave at the end of 2026. Champion has been leading the company for the last five years.
“Since her appointment in early 2022, Kate has led us from strength to strength, supporting local WA talent, innovative approaches, and inspiring works across our stages.” the company said in a post to social media.
“I have loved my time steering the artistic helm of Black Swan. From the beginning of my tenure, I’ve felt embraced and supported by my colleagues, the local artistic community and our enthusiastic donors, Friends, and audiences.” Champion said.
“The greatest challenge for an Artistic Director is to encourage and support artists to take risks, stretch their imagination and give their all, while simultaneously keeping audiences inspired and entertained by the highest calibre plays on offer. It’s a balance I believe we’ve achieved in my time with the company.
“Black Swan will remain close to my heart, as will the people who make creating art an essential element of this vibrant WA society.”
Champion will program the company’s 2027 season before her departure.
The company is currently staging the critically acclaimed RBG: Of Many, One. The show stars actor Heather Mitchell and runs until 4 April. It’s the productions second season in Perth after a sold out run in 2023.
During Champion’s time at Black Swan State Theatre she’s programmed works by Australian playwright Suzie Miller including Prima Facie and RBG: Of Many One. As well as works by Steve Rodgers, Andrea Gibbs, Andrew Bovell, Kate Mulvaney and Thomas Weatherall. International writers including Tracy Letts, Deborah Frances-White and Lucy Kirkwood.
Champion’s announcement that she’s leaving Black Swan State Theatre Company comes just two days after Raewyn Hill, Artistic Director of Co3 Contemporary Dance Company announced her departure after a 12-year tenure.
