‘Slipping through time and genres, York unveils the pasts we invent and the pasts we fail to acknowledge.

Inspired by 200 years of real accounts, this daring new work sheds light on how our stories are told – and who tells them.” – from The Black Swan Theatre promotional material

Year 11 and 12 Literature students were treated to a memorable and affecting theatre experience on Sunday night 25 July when they gathered at the State Theatre for the Black Swan Theatre / WA Youth Theatre company production of York, an ‘epic piece of truth-telling’ blending ‘humour and horror to uncover the buried histories we all share.’ The drama, written by Ian Michael and Chisholm alumnus, Chris Isaacs, is set in an abandoned hospital in York, on Ballardong Nyoongar country. The bold and inventive script and staging of the drama, under the direction of Clare Watson and Ian Wilkes, meant that the audience became fully immersed in the experience of sharing the stories that connect us to our history.

Following interruptions to our theatre excursions due to COVID-19 restrictions, it was truly a privilege to have the opportunity to celebrate home-grown stories on the world class stage of the Heath Ledger Theatre. The students who attended the performance were thrilled by the experience and enthusiastic in their praise.

Ms Franich, Mrs Lewis & Miss Molloy
English Department