Nelson Blake

Nelson is from Denmark, Western Australia where he most recently worked as Executive Officer of Denmark Arts Council Inc. He has Coordinated two Brave New Works festivals (2023, 2024) and Denmark Festival of Voice (2023).

Nelson has directed Picnic at Hanging Rock (Spectrum Theatre, Albany) and the music video for Nathan Hui–Yi’s No Regrets.


Nelson has led a devising process and written/directed MOON_SHIP 2020 (2019), HE@RD (2021) and Never Know When (2022) with Southern Edge Arts’ youth theatre ensemble.

Other projects include being an intern on Lé Nør [The Rain] with The Last Great Hunt, helping ‘activate’ the works of Marina Abramovic at MONA and acting in numerous productions, with notable roles including Richard III in Crowns (directed by Robert Lewis) and Irma in Jean Genet’s The Balcony (directed by Sean Coyle).

Nelson has worked as strategic projects officer with the Western Australian Forest Alliance (WAFA) and is proud to have been a part (and active supporter) of the forest blockade movement.

Nelson describes his aesthetic as gritty whimsy.

He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Politics and International Relations from Murdoch University and a Bachelor of Contemporary Arts (Theatre) from University of Tasmania.

Charles Harpur (1813–1868) was “Australia’s first poet”, friends with Henry Parkes, failed actor, and radical thinker.

In 1835, Harpur wrote The Tragedy of Donahoe – it was never performed.

In 1853, Harpur revised the script and renamed it The Bushrangers. A Play in Five Acts – it was never performed.

In 1860, Harpur revised the script and renamed it The Bush-Rangers – it was never performed.

In 1867, Harpur revised the script and renamed it Stalwart the Bushranger – it has never been performed…

This Superquick Resurrection reduces the o.g. manuscript from 2.5 hours to 40 mins. Inspired by Theatre of the Ridiculous, it’s a fun, rollicking romp; eschewing my political didactic tendencies in favour of hedonism that oozes whimsy.

Long live guerilla forest fighters!

– Nelson Blake

The intention behind the design of Stalwart was to capture the epic melodrama of a classic bushranger play, all while making it feel current in bold shades of technicolour. With an intimate performance space, each aspect of the show is concentrated and allowed to crackle with energy. Movement and spectacle occur at all moments, from every angle. Sounds whizz by, sets steam past and costumes dazzle, all illuminated by lighting and VFX which bring viewers into the bush instantly. By the end of the play, audiences should feel as much a part of the action as the performers themselves.

– Harry Robinson, Thomas Hamilton, Arwen Davidson and Finlay Hogan

Explicit language, drug/alcohol references and abuse, sexual themes and violence, partial nudity, mental health, suicide, abuse of power, violence.

Fog and haze, gunshots/loud noises and flashing/strobing lights.

Content advice subject to change.