This month, Black Swan State Theatre Company of WA will present the West Australian premiere of Blue by Thomas Weatherall. The Scoop had the chance to sit down with Owen Hasluck, who will be making his Black Swan debut in the role of Mark. A 2023 NIDA graduate, Owen also completed WAAPA’s Diploma of Acting and Aboriginal Performance courses. Owen talks all things Blue, including preparing for a solo performance and what this opportunity means to him. Read the full interview below.
How has working with Ian Wilkes as director influenced the way you approach the role of Mark?
It’s really beautiful. I’ve worked with Ian before, so I knew the style and approach he uses. But with this role being a solo show, it’s a completely different format from last time.
He’s helped me realise that sometimes, just me in the space is enough. As an actor, I want to put on the best show possible. Sometimes, the best requires the least, which is weird to say, but sometimes the performance needs to be stripped back, and Ian is really helping me do that when needed, while also encouraging me to let go at times. It’s a comfortable space to be in, which is always a great opportunity.
What’s the biggest challenge about doing a solo performance like this?
It was quite literally accepting the fact that I am enough. I’m someone who loves playing comic relief, or the loveable goofball side character who comes in, takes a scene, makes it his, and then leaves. I love that: it warms my heart! That’s the type of acting I love! I love lead work as well; it’s a different beast altogether, though.
And I think, coming from what I’ve been doing recently and then stepping into solo acting, with no supporting cast, no other characters to talk to, just being in the space with me, the audience, and the world we’ve created, it was just recognising that I am enough. I can do this, and it’s going to be great. And trusting that.
If you could sum up Blue in just three words, what would they be?
Perspective. Change. Acceptance. Blue is a play about life, and the complexity of life. Those three words represent things we all experience, no matter our age. The play explores how we deal with them and shows us that it’s also okay not to deal with them. But it also looks at how to move forward, which is important for everyone.
This is your debut with Black Swan Theatre Company. What does this opportunity mean to you personally?
It’s incredibly full circle. Growing up, Black Swan was the only theatre company I knew. I didn’t even realise other states in Australia existed. It always felt like this untouchable, unachievable thing. So, to now be performing with them, on the land of my people, in a company that’s done so much for the arts in Western Australia: it’s a whirlwind.
I’m happy, I’m euphoric, and I’m thinking: “Don’t stuff it up, mate.” Not that I think I will, but just knowing I’ve reached a point I once thought was so far away is huge. I’m proud to debut with this company and I hope people are blown away by the performance. That they see what I saw growing up! That passion is absolutely in there.
This is such a personal story: how are you looking after yourself emotionally throughout rehearsals and the season ahead?
As soon as I leave the room, we end the day by breathing out and leaving it in the space. I still have lines to learn and things to practise, so sometimes it lingers. But rather than letting it take over; I allow myself to do the things I love.
I talk to friends and family, relax by playing games, go for a run or a drive, often with some uplifting music. But other times, I let myself sit with it and really take time to process. For me, it’s about doing what I love, and recognising that the work happens in the room, and life happens outside of it.
If the character of Mark could say anything to his younger self, what do you think it would be?
I think older Mark, from where I’m standing now, would tell younger Mark to love. To love the time he has, to love the people around him, and to allow himself to be loved.
What do you hope audiences will feel or think about after seeing Blue?
That’s the question we all want to answer as performers and artists. I want audiences to feel that it’s okay to feel things. Life can be difficult sometimes, and we all experience moments where we don’t hold the answers, and that’s okay, because we’re not alone in that experience.
What advice would you give to those wanting to enter the industry?
Trust it. Believe in it. It does hurt, and it does suck sometimes. But you’ve got to persevere, push through, and keep banging that door until it opens.
I’ve been trying to act since I finished high school in 2016 or 2017, and it took until now, in 2025, to be in a Black Swan show. But I never gave up. I kept hustling, kept showing up, doing what I could, when I could. I made connections, I became friends with some really amazing people, and those people will support you through it. That support system is everything.
Whether it’s friends in the industry or just someone who’ll sit there and listen; sometimes, you just want to be heard. So, keep going. Don’t stop.
Blue runs from 23 May – 8 June at Studio Underground, State Theatre Centre of WA, 174/176 William Street Perth.
Tickets: https://blackswantheatre.com.au/season-2025/blue
Website: https://blackswantheatre.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/blackswanstc/ and https://www.instagram.com/owenhasluck/
Photo credits: supplied by Black Swan State Theatre Company
