A tender, exquisite monologue written and performed by rising star Thomas Weatherall, Blue takes us deep into the beauty, and sadness, of a young life at its new beginning at Belvoir this January as part of the 2023 Sydney Festival.
Getting older is inevitable but growing up takes courage. When Mark moved out of home for the first time his mum started writing him letters – just checking in, staying in touch, keeping a gentle hold on her son. Until one letter brought news no-one wants to hear.
Alone in his apartment, Mark needs to make some sense of the path of his young life. He needs to work out how to go on with the day, his studies, the fragility of living. He needs us to hear his story, and the story of his family.
Directed by Deborah Brown (Bangarra Dance Theatre), Blue is written and performed by Balnaves Fellow and 2022 AACTA Award-winner Thomas Weatherall (TV’s RFDS) – fresh off his breakout role in Netflix’s Heartbreak High, he will bring discussions of men’s mental health to attention on the mainstage.
“Blue is a remarkable, genuinely exciting debut,” said Eamon Flack, Belvoir Artistic Director. “Thomas is a young man wise beyond his years.”
“His writing is sensitive, deeply felt, beguiling. So is his acting. His play unpacks big stuff – mental health, family, loss, how we remember.”
Director: Deborah Brown | Featuring: Thomas Weatherall, Frances Rings, Darius Williams | Set & Costume Designers: Jacob Nash, Chris Baldwin | Lighting Designer: Chloe Ogilvie | Sound Designer & Composer: Wil Hughes | Video Designer: David Bergman | Vocal Coach: Laura Farrell, Amy Hume | Associate Lighting Designer: Kelsey Lee | Stage Manager: Steph Storr | Assistant Stage Manager: Sybilla Wajon
BLUE
Upstairs Theatre – Belvoir St Theatre, 25 Belvoir Street, Surry Hills
Season: 14 – 29 January 2023
Information and Bookings: www.belvoir.com.au
Image: Thomas Weatherall – courtesy of Belvoir St Theatre