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 2023

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Kaya from Kate Champion

My life in theatre has been a decades long search for the most stimulating and arresting ways to tell our stories. Whatever the subject, style, or type of show, if it grips my imagination in a way that excites and provokes, then I'm on board.

Season 2023 has an abundance of Western Australian talent in a wide range of theatrical experiences that do just that.

There’s a fresh, contemporary, queer retelling of a classic that’s a ‘love letter to hope’. Joyous, witty, and achingly romantic. An independent Aboriginal production of a contemporary Australian work - already destined to become a classic - brought to the mainstage. Poetic, gothic and intensely relevant. A tight-knit family’s truth-telling revelations from one of WA’s most acclaimed writers. Relatable, complicated, and deeply suburban. An unashamed challenge to what theatre can be from a globally celebrated dance theatre production. Compelling, visceral, and unapologetically political. And finally, a debut play by two acclaimed WA actors with a story that has lived in their imaginations for over twenty years. A poignant exploration into the darkest secrets of two inseparable sisters. Intriguing, humorous and original.

Every show is written and created by Australian artists at the peak of their powers. All but one of our productions is Western Australian, with the cream of local talent spanning generations. Black Swan’s history is full of bold theatrical endeavours and unique Western Australian perspectives. I am proud to have the opportunity to build on this history - a history like no other and an inspiration to all who follow. Without choosing a theme for a season, inevitably one emerges.

This year, in many ways, is a bridge. A bridge from then to now, classic to contemporary, independent to mainstage, interstate to WA, regional to metro. A bridge from stability to embracing change, parent to child, sister to sister, marginalised to prominent, emerging to established. A bridge from actor to writer, Ireland to Australia, local to universal - and from us to you.

I hope you enjoy.

KATE CHAMPION
Artistic Director

SEASON 2023

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