“I am I Said/ To no-one there/ and no-one heard/not  even the chair” Neil Diamond “I am I Said”

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In his late teens writer/performer Thomas Weatherall experienced a severe bout loneliness and depression.  He knew that he would have to ride it out. Something became clear to him during his ‘blue period’. He wanted to be, he had to be a writer. He wanted to communicate, to express himself, and his feelings and thoughts.

His first work is his play BLUE which is currently playing upstairs at Belvoir Street. It is not a  autobiographical work but a story that best fits what he wants to express.

This was a sublime experience. All Weatherall had on stage was one chair. He took the audience on his journey with grace. He expressed himself poetically. His journey was mainly about two things; the importance  of family and  his love of nature, in particular water and  the ocean and the way it comforts and sustains him.

Deborah Brown’s direction is flawless and helps to keep the audience focused. David Bergman’s exquisite video design played a vital part in the production and added so much to its impact. Jacob Nash did the set and costumes,  Chloe Ogilvie the lighting and Wil Hughes the sound and score.

This is a special night in the theatre. BLUE is playing upstairs at Belvoir Street  until the 29th January 2023.

Tickets : https://www.belvoir.com.au/productions/blue

Featured image : Thomas Weatherall in’Blue’ upstairs at Belvoir. Pic Joseph Mayers