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 2025

Speaking in Tongues

23 Aug - 14 Sep

Heath Ledger Theatre

Nine lives weave together in Bovell’s masterfully interconnected drama about love, desire, suspicion, and betrayal.

“A PLAY OF SHIMMERING, IRIDESCENT BEAUTY, REVEALING THE MARVELLOUS IN THE EVERYDAY.”

Financial Times
“BOVELL IS A MASTER WORDSMITH WITH A TALENT FOR THE IRONIC.”

The Sydney Morning Herald
“CLEVER, PROVOCATIVE, ELLIPTICALLY RESONANT.”

New York Times

Speaking in Tongues

WHEN DID WE BECOME STRANGERS TO ONE ANOTHER?

From the writer of our 2023 award-winning production of Things I Know To Be True comes a masterfully interconnected drama about the relationships between lovers, strangers, and the infinite ways people are entangled.

Pete is married to Jane. Leon is married to Sonja. One night, Pete meets Sonja in a bar, and they go back to a cheap hotel. By chance, on the same night, Leon and Jane do the same.

One couple goes through with it. The other doesn’t.

A lonely man pines for the love of his life who moved on decades ago.

A woman disappears, leaving just a stiletto and a neighbour as the prime suspect. Her husband doesn’t answer the phone.

Nine lives weave together in Bovell’s electrifying play about love, desire, suspicion, and betrayal.

Speaking in Tongues was adapted for the screen as the multi-award-winning film Lantana in 2001.

PREVIEW PERFORMANCES

A Reserve
- $75.00 Adult
- $70.00 Concession
- $40.00 Student
B Reserve
- $65.00 Adult
- $60.00 Concession
- $40.00 Student
C Reserve
- $35.00 Adult

SAVER PERFORMANCES (Tue/Wed evenings & Wed/Sat Matinees)

Premium
- $100.00 Adult
A Reserve
- $90.00 Adult
- $80.00 Concession
- $45.00 Student
B Reserve
- $79.00 Adult
- $69.00 Concession
- $45.00 Student
C Reserve
- $35.00 Adult

STANDARD PERFORMANCES (Thu/Fri/Sat evenings & Sundays)

Premium
- $119.00 Adult
A Reserve
- $99.00 Adult
- $90.00 Concession
- $45.00 Student
B Reserve
- $85.00 Adult
- $75.00 Concession
- $45.00 Student
C Reserve
- $35.00 Adult

$30 UNDER 30

If you are between 17 and 30 years old, you can enjoy great theatre at great value with $30 tickets on B and C Reserve seats, subject to availability. Limit 2 $30 tickets per order.

CONNECTIX

Connectix tickets are for people who face social barriers to attending the theatre or who are experiencing economic hardship, especially those who identify as Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander, or culturally and/or linguistically diverse. To book $25 Connectix tickets, use the code CONNECTIX when selecting your seats. This offer is only applicable on A, B & C Reserve seats with a limit of 2 tickets per transaction, and 10 tickets per performance.

PRICING & FEE INFORMATION

For group bookings phone (08) 6212 9300 or email learn@blackswantheatre.com.au - special discount pricing for schools with an ICSEA ranking of < 1000 and /or < 300 students.
Demand-based pricing may see prices increase or decrease at any time and occur without notice. Such alterations do not entitle you to a refund or adjustment for ticket purchases prior to the revised pricing.

We are proud to be partnering with JCDecaux in 2025 to bring back Front Row bigger and better than before.

This initiative provides an elevated theatre experience for young professionals under the age of 40. Maybe you haven’t been to the theatre before, or maybe you just haven’t had time in your busy work schedule. Either way, now is the time to treat yourself.

Sip on a complimentary drink and enjoy networking opportunities prior to the performance, then sit back and enjoy the show. After the final bows, you can grab a snack, a refreshment, hear from a member of the creative team, and debrief about the show.

DATE: Wednesday 3 September, 6:30pm

PRICE: Attending the Front Row event will cost an additional $20.00 on top of your ticket price

HOW TO BOOK: Simply select the designated Front Row performance date on the schedule, and you will have the option to add Front Row in the booking process.

For more information, visit the Front Row page.

Dates

23 Aug - 14 Sep

Venue

Heath Ledger Theatre

Pricing

Tickets between $30.00 - $119.00

Content Warning

Mature themes, sexual references and mild violence

Wheelchair accessible venue

Auslan signed performance

Audio description & Tactile tour

Open captioned show

Closed captioned show

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.