Message from the Artistic Director

It is a wonderful time to lead a theatre company in Perth. There is a new sense of optimism and excitement among the Arts sector as the state government is doing so much to promote the growth of the sector and to encourage it to once again flourish with a renewed sense of excellence and accomplishment.

I am off to a flying start as Black Swan prepares for its new role as resident of the new venue and expands its repertoire and touring capabilities.  I have addressed members of the Writers Guild, met with Actors Equity, met with WA Writers Guild and WA Stages, met with business leaders, met with government leaders, met people from two of our major sponsors RIO TINTO and RAC, met with several key people from University of WA who are so generous in their contribution to Black Swan, met with leaders in the Arts Community including WAAPA, WA Opera and PIAF, talked to media, written speeches and given speeches.  I have been struck by the generosity of all the people I have met.  In a time poor city, leaders in the government, business, arts and education sectors are prepared to give their time and energy to help build a great state flagship theatre company. This is enormously heartening, and a credit to the foresight and imagination of the leaders of this challenging, dynamic, beautiful state.

I am redefining how Black Swan develops new work, and I am also planning the 2009 and 2010 season which means reading a lot of scripts and attempting to read all of your minds at the same time.

Obviously the core of Black Swan’s best and most exciting work has always been epic new work based on WA stories that are told with breathtaking beauty and grace, and we aim to continue to develop work in that spirit. We will also present classics that have a direct impact on us today and the best of contemporary work from around the world.

I look forward to meeting each of you and hearing your opinions about Black Swan’s past work and future endeavours.

Kate Cherry
Artistic Director