Black Swan State Theatre Company of WA

Last weekend we officially closed our season of Suzie Miller's Prima Facie. This show has been monumental, with multiple sell out performances, overwhelming audience feedback and incredible reviews. Whilst we are proud to celebrate the success of this season, we are well aware that the treatment of sexual assault survivors within our legal system is still a very real and pressing issue in our society. Alongside our season on the stage, we also hosted multiple events off the stage to engage with the themes at the centre of this gripping play. From our inaugural Unscripted event at Studio Underground, to panel discussions at the Supreme Court, Lawson Flats, Mello House, functions with Clayton Utz and The Law Society of WA, to our very own Artistic Director Kate Champion meeting with twelve of WA's Supreme Court Judges. Considering the significant impact that Suzie's play has had on a global scale, we are pleased to have contributed to amplifying Prima Facie's important message. 📸 Image 3: Daniel J Grant 📸 Images 5 & 6: John Koh

Last Tuesday we held a special Partner Night for our wonderful corporate supporters. We were delighted to welcome guests from Clayton Utz, Seven West Media, JCDecaux, Perth Airport, and our Principal Partner Fortescue. Thank you to all our partners for sharing our vision and supporting our Black Swan ability to stage incredible productions. An extra-special thank you goes to our valued Legal Partner, Clayton Utz, who are also our Season Partner for Prima Facie!

PRIMA FACIE by Suzie Miller ⚖️ Starring Sophia Forrest and directed by Kate Champion, our brand-new production of Suzie Miller's Olivier Award-winning production has captivated Perth audiences since it opened last week. Prima Facie is showing at the Heath Ledger Theatre until Sunday 21 July. Get your tickets here 🎫 https://bit.ly/3TCJ1pv ⭐ Videography by Jessica Russell ⭐ Set Design by Bruce McKinven ⭐ Costume Design by Lynn Ferguson ⭐️ Lighting Design by Peter Young ⭐️ Composition & Sound Design by Melanie Robinson

Last Thursday, Black Swan, Clayton Utz and The Law Society of Western Australia hosted a panel discussion at the Supreme Court, inspired by the themes of Suzie Miller's award-winning play Prima Facie. Panellists Suzie Miller, The Hon Peter Quinlan, The Hon Lindy Jenkins, Dr Jennie Gray, Rabia Siddique QCVS and moderator Anna Casellas discussed our evolving relationship with consent, and its place within the law. It was an incredibly stimulating evening that examined reform, past practices, and our current laws surrounding consent, focusing on the necessity for changing attitudes. We'd especially like to thank our valued Legal Partner, Clayton Utz, for extending their partnership to become Season Partner of our current production Prima Facie, and also to both City of Perth and Clayton Utz for supporting events such as this panel discussion, which allow for the pressing issues of this play to be brought off the stage and into the real world. Photography and sketch by Daniel J Grant

5 STARS ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for Prima Facie After officially opening at the Heath Ledger Theatre on Wednesday night, our brand-new production of Suzie Miller's Olivier Award-winning play has already received a 5 star review from The West Australian. "Sophia Forrest tackles the role of criminal defence barrister Tessa Ensler with full force, courage, and absolute conviction." Described as "creativity at its finest", Black Swan's production of Prima Facie is showing at the Heath Ledger Theatre until Sunday 21 July. Read the full review here: https://bit.ly/4cNtF8A

Our brand-new production of Suzie Miller's Olivier Award-winning play, Prima Facie, opens at the Heath Ledger Theatre this week, and we are beyond excited! Director Kate Champion recently sat down for a chat with Sophia Forrest, who will be playing the role of Tessa Ensler, to discuss the work's international success, and the pressing relevancy of its message about our legal system's treatment of sexual assault survivors. Prima Facie will show at the Heath Ledger Theatre until Sunday 21 July. Book your tickets here 🎫 https://bit.ly/3TCJ1pv Video by Jessica Russell

Energies are running high as Sophia Forrest prepares to take to the stage next week as Tessa Ensler in our brand-new production Prima Facie by Suzie Miller. Acknowledging that this is the "hardest thing (they've) ever done", Sophia spoke with The Guardian about their preparation for the role, the impact of Prima Facie in highlighting outdated consent laws, and what it's like navigating the industry as a non-binary actor. Director Kate Champion also shares her thoughts on the importance of Suzie Miller's Olivier Award-winning play; "I hope men can come with their sons or their nephews, or sports teams. I just hope we get men in there. It’s not just a women’s conversation. It’s, in fact, the opposite.” Read the full article here: https://bit.ly/3XIgyB3 We're so excited for Perth audiences to finally witness this extremely powerful play. Tickets are currently selling fast - and trust us you don't want to miss this one - so book yours now: https://bit.ly/3TCJ1pv

We've finally recovered from the absolutely incredible success of RBG: Of Many, One's season at the Heath Ledger Theatre this June, and would like to take the opportunity to thank all those involved. To Suzie Miller, for writing such a powerful piece of work that serves as a superb tribute to the iconic Ruth Bader Ginsburg. To Sydney Theatre Company, for producing this incredible work, and touring it around Australia so that everyone could witness this theatrical phenomenon. To Director Priscilla Jackman, the Creative Team, Crew, Touring Team, and of course the wonderful Heather Mitchell for bringing this work to life on stage. And to our audience, for making the final season of the national tour a complete sell-out! Although there were many, many audience comments similar to this, we thought we'd round it out with this: "One of the best performances I’ve ever seen, including Broadway and West End...so grateful I got to see it."

A round up of some reviews for our sold-out season of Susie Miller's RBG: Of Many, One, which opened last week at the Heath Ledger Theatre ❤️ ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Mitchell’s commanding performance is simply mesmerising as she paints a vivid picture of the Bader Ginsburg story." The West Australian: https://bit.ly/4b5niMn "Mitchell, in a career-defining performance, embodies Ginsburg with skills that transcend mere imitation." Magazine 6000: https://bit.ly/4cmon3E "This is one of those iconic performances that you only see every few years - a stunning and mesmerising performance, that captivates the audience from the very first moments." Stage Whispers: https://bit.ly/3z5bHQa "RBG: OF MANY, ONE is a triumph of theatre..." Broadway World: https://bit.ly/4cn2Zen "RBG: Of Many, One is more than a theatrical production; it is a poignant reflection on resilience, justice, and the pursuit of equality—a testament to the enduring legacy of a judicial icon." Theatre Reviews Perth: https://bit.ly/4cp5VXW Sydney Theatre Company's production of RBG: Of Many, One will close its sold-out Perth season this Sunday.

Watch below for a message from our Artistic Director, Kate Champion. There is something so important about seeing live theatre. Sitting together in a darkened room, we bear witness to life unfolding, live, in one take. When you make a donation to Black Swan, you are supporting real connection and our shared humanity. Back Black Swan. Help us continue to make great theatre in WA. Donate now: https://bit.ly/3XdCwff