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 2022

Oil

Past Show - Season 2022

05 Nov - 27 Nov

Heath Ledger Theatre

The time travelling story of mother May and her daughter Amy as they navigate a shifting world.

“Scorchingly ambitious, with plenty of renewable energy.”

The Guardian

Oil

How do we manage our finite resources? Is there any resource more infinite than love?

From the stage of London’s Almeida Theatre hails this epic, explosive play about empire, history, and motherhood as it charts the lifespan of one of our most precious commodities. Starring Hayley McElhinney (Doctor Doctor, The Cherry Orchard) with a formidable ensemble of actors under the direction of Adam Mitchell (When the Rain Stops Falling, Every Brilliant Thing), Oil is an exciting and relevant new work for our time and place.

1886, Cornwall, a family are preparing for dinner by candlelight. A salesman arrives at their farm to demonstrate a wonderful new discovery - the kerosene lamp. The age of oil is beginning.

Spanning 160 years and traversing the globe through Tehran, Hampstead, Baghdad, and then back to Cornwall, Oil is the time travelling story of mother May and her daughter Amy as they navigate a shifting world.

“Oil is everything great theatre should be; ambitious, exciting, and brimming with heart. It takes us on a journey of big ideas in the search for light. It’s the kind of play that comes about once in a decade.” Adam Mitchell, Director.

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Dates

05 Nov - 27 Nov

Venue

Heath Ledger Theatre

Duration

2 hrs 45 minutes (including interval)

Content Warning

Adult themes, sexual intimidation, coarse language, depictions of sexual scenes, use of herbal cigarettes, haze, racism, islamophobia and use of stage firearms.

Wheelchair accessible venue

Use the calendar below to view the dates of accessibility services available for this production. Further access information and seat guides can be found via the Accessibility Page.