Categories: Features

Black Swan BBQ is No Catered Affair

I opened the Today section of The West Australian this morning pleased to see a full page picture announcing Black Swan’s 2012 theatre season.

Unfortunately the article I read, left a sour taste in my mouth.

Stephen Bevis’ (Arts editor for The West Australian) article began by highlighting the company’s frustration at the lack of funding, rather than proclaiming the wonderful season of productions on offer from the Black Swan Theatre Company during it’s 21st anniversary season.

“In a very competitive global environment, we are the most underfunded State flagship company in the country,” she said “We are trying to make sure we can have artistic excellence and that requires money and time”

(Kate Cherry, Artistic Director of Black Swan, from The West Australian article)

I think the greatest disappointment in the 2012 season is the news that there will not be any productions in the Underground Studio. Such a shame given the original and thought provoking pieces that have come out of there during 2011.

Although attendances are up fifty percent, plus a revenue increase of some three hundred and eighty thousand dollars and increased sponsorship, it looks like the Black Swan’s 21st anniversary party will be a barbeque rather than a catered affair!

Despite this, the Black Swan Theatre Company will present world premieres of four new Australian plays (The White Divers of Broome, National Interest, Signs of Life and Managing Carmen, pictured) and co-produce productions with the Queensland, Sydney and Melbourne Theatre Companies.

I just hope those reading the Stephen Bevis article get past the first two columns to discover the premier season in store for Perth theatre goers, rather than an article on the frustration of funding.

I do agree we need more funding, though. Maybe a play about a cross dressing footballer will do it. After all, it’s about SPORT!

Click here for a run down of productions in the 2012 season.

Craig Dalglish