Black Swan State Theatre Company of Western Australia acknowledges the Whadjuk people of the Nyoongar Nation as the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we work and live.

First Nations People have been telling stories on this country for many thousands of years, and we acknowledge their incredible contribution to the cultural and environmental landscape we reside in.

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Season 2017

Once In Royal David's City

Past Show

25 Mar - 09 Apr

Heath Ledger Theatre

Faced with loss, do we rage against the universe, search for connection or hope for an epiphany?

“EXTREMELY AND ACIDLY FUNNY, TOUCHINGLY COMPASSIONATE.”

Stage Noise

Once In Royal David's City

A Black Swan and Queensland Theatre Production

WA PREMIERE

Faced with loss, do we rage against the universe, search for connection or hope for an epiphany?

On the beaches of New South Wales, Brecht-obsessed theatre director Will has planned to share a restful, halcyon Christmas with his recently widowed mother. But then she unexpectedly falls seriously ill. During a bedside vigil, Will is forced to piece together the splintered shards of his own life. Angry and bewildered, he questions his role as an artist, a son and his place in a world where his dreams and ambitions appear forsaken.

This heartfelt work by Australian playwright Michael Gow is directed by Queensland Theatre’s new Artistic Director Sam Strong, marking our next exciting collaboration with this company. Intimate and sweeping, balancing warmth with wrath, Once In Royal David’s City is a life-afﬁrming story about family, loss, purpose, politics and the endless possibilities of art.

Dates

25 Mar - 09 Apr

Venue

Heath Ledger Theatre

Duration

1 hr 45 mins (no interval)

Content Warning

Contains some adult themes and mild language.

Artists

Adam Booth

Cast

Penny Everingham

Cast

Emma Jackson

Cast

Jason Klarwein

Cast

Toni Scanlan

Cast

Adam Sollis

Cast

Kaye Stevenson

Cast

Steve Turner

Cast

Michael Gow

Writer

Sam Strong

Director

Stephen Curtis

Designer

Matt Scott

Lighting Designer

Ash Gibson Greig

Composer & Sound Designer

Nerida Matthaei

Choreographer & Movement Director

Kathryn O'Halloran

Stage Manager

Heather O'Keeffe

Assistant Stage Manager