SPOTLIGHT

<< Back to SPOTLIGHT Live Showcase Program

Jack Charles V The Crown
Ilbijerri Theatre Company

Venue: Dunstan Playhouse
When: Tue 28 Feb 11:15 AM - 11:40 AM
Genre: Theatre
Main Audience: All Ages
Producer: Fenn Gordon, Performing Lines
No. in touring party: 7

Jack Charles V The Crown

Based on the life of Uncle Jack Charles, spoken in his own words.

A powerful one-man show that shines the spotlight on the colourful life of one of Australia’s near forgotten treasures. Jack is an actor, musician, potter and gifted performer, but for a good portion of his nearly 70 years he has also been homeless, an addict, a thief and a regular in Victoria’s prisons.

A respected Aboriginal elder who pioneered Koorie theatre in the early 70s, founded Nindethana, the first Aboriginal theatre company, was a television regular and the star of movies including The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith, Jack is one of Australia’s most highly regarded performers. At almost 70, no longer caught in the cycle of addiction, crime and doing time, Jack sings and tells his extraordinary tale with extraordinary flair.

Performed by: Jack Charles
Co-writers: Jack Charles, John Romeril
Director: Rachael Maza
Dramaturge: John Romeril
Set & Costume Designer: Emily Barrie
Lighting Designer: Danny Pettingill
Audio Visual Designer: Peter Worland
Musical Director: Nigel Maclean
Percussion: Phil Collings
Bass: Malcolm Beveridge

Ilbijerri Theatre Company

Ilbijerri exists to tell Indigenous stories with passion, integrity and humour. The company believes in Black voices telling Black stories – for all Australians – and it is this belief that has seen us become the oldest Indigenous theatre company in Australia. Exploring a range of complex and controversial issues from a uniquely Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspective, Ilbijerri has sustained one simple ideal when creating new work: ‘Bold, Black and Brilliant’.

Celebrating over 20 years and headed by the artistic direction of Rachael Maza Long, the company is stronger than ever bringing with it one of Australia’s most important stories to date – the story of Uncle Jack Charles. Jack Charles V The Crown is a theatre experience full of pathos and resolve, moving audiences beyond words and bringing full houses to standing ovations each night. It premiered at the Melbourne International Arts Festival, Victorian Arts Centre in October 2010, with a sell-out season. Belvoir St Theatre and the Brisbane Festival presented Jack Charles V The Crown in 2011.

Artistic Director: Rachael Maza Long
General Manager: Brad Spolding
Touring produced by Performing Lines: Fenn Gordon

Photo: Bindi Cole