New Partnership Shines the Spotlight on Mental Health

Black Swan State Theatre Company is proud to announce a new partnership with WA-based organisations Hawaiian and Youth Focus to support a community engagement initiative aimed at sparking conversation around youth mental health, alongside our upcoming production of Blue by Thomas Weatherall.

A powerful and poetic coming-of-age story, Blue explores grief, identity, and the quiet struggle to hold on when the world feels like it’s slipping away. As a play that speaks directly to the mental health challenges faced by young people today, Blue offers a timely and moving platform for deeper conversation.

Through this partnership, Black Swan, Hawaiian, and Youth Focus will come together to create a safe, inclusive, and thought-provoking space for young people, families, and the wider community to reflect and engage. Central to this initiative is a special post-show panel event featuring artists, mental health professionals, and youth advocates in open conversation – breaking down stigma, encouraging dialogue, and using the stage as a springboard for meaningful discussion and positive change.

“This collaboration is a great example of what can happen when the arts, business, and community sectors come together with a shared purpose,” said Ian Booth, CEO of Black Swan. “At its best, theatre doesn’t just entertain – it starts conversations, builds empathy, and has the power to drive real-world change. Mental health is a vital issue for so many young people, and we’re proud to work with partners who are helping us use the stage to amplify their voices and create space for meaningful dialogue.”

Youth Focus CEO, Derry Simpson, said the partnership was an opportunity to harness the power of storytelling to put the spotlight on youth mental health.

“Around 40% of young people experienced a mental health challenge in the past twelve months, and almost half of them did not reach out for support. Talking about mental health in more creative and informal ways, like through this production and the panel event, will help break down the stigma often associated with mental health, and open doors to conversations that may otherwise be too difficult to start."

Youth Focus provides youth mental health services including counselling, work and study support, mental health education and postvention support in communities for 12-25 year olds across WA, at no cost and without referral. Their support will help ensure that the initiative is both impactful and aligned with the real experiences and needs of young people in our community.

For Hawaiian, a long-time contributor to social impact initiatives across the state, the partnership is a natural extension of their values.

“At Hawaiian, we believe in the power of connection and collaboration to create positive change,” said Leah Royle, Hawaiian’s General Manager, Community. “We’re proud to support a project that shines a light on youth mental health and uses the arts as a force for good in our community.”

Tickets and further details about the panel event will be announced soon.

Our production of Blue by Thomas Weatherall is showing at the at the State Theatre Centre of WA from 30 May – 15 June 2025.