Join us in the cinema to celebrate the amazing life of Uncle Jack Charles.
On 13 September 2022, we lost one of Melbourne’s true icons: Uncle Jack Charles.
A proud Boon Wurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung, Woiwurrung and Taungurung Elder, actor, artist and activist, Uncle Jack Charles was steadfast in his support of emerging artists and a tireless advocate for First Nations people. He made a 50-year contribution to the performing and visual arts that spanned theatre (he co-founded Carlton’s Nindethana Theatre in 1972), film (his first role was in The Chant of Jimmie Blacksmith) and countless television appearances. Whether you knew Uncle Jack personally, gave him a nod on the street, or were familiar with his performances on stage or screen, you'll understand how important it is that we celebrate his extraordinary life.
This free event will begin with Gavin Somers the Director of First Nations, Equity and Social Policy at ACMI, and Rachel Maza, the Artistic Director of Ilbijerri Theatre Company, sharing their memories of Uncle Jack Charles. This will be followed by a selection of Uncle Jack's screen highlights from the sketch comedy series Black Comedy (2014-2020) and the premiere episode of the doomsday-themed comedy series, Preppers (2021).
Event duration
75 mins
Rating
Unclassified (15+)
Viewers under the age of 15 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian.
Tickets
Schedule
Speakers
Gavin Somers
Gavin Somers is a proud Butchulla/Gubbi Gubbi man, an established songwriter and performer in his own right, Gavin is extensively involved in the Victorian arts, music and philanthropy community. Gavin has held positions on a number of government and not-for-profit boards across the state and supported numerous government and community organisations in developing their Aboriginal inclusion and employment initiatives.
Gavin is currently the Director of First Nations, Equity and Social Policy at ACMI.
Rachael Maza
Rachael Maza is Yidinji from North Queensland, Meriam from the Torres Strait Island of Mer, and Dutch on her mother’s side. Rachel is widely known for her wealth of acting, directing, and dramaturgical experience across the Australian film, television and theatre industry, most notably, the AFI (Australian Film Institute) award-winning Radiance and the stage production of The Sapphires. Rachael has been Artistic Director of ILBIJERRI Theatre Company since 2008, directing several productions in that time including Jack Charles V The Crown (2010).
Rachael’s awards include the Touring Legend Drover Award (2017) the Australia Council of the Arts Award for Theatre (2019), and an Order of Australia (2020).
Rachael currently sits on the board of Force Majeure and on ACMI Indigenous Advisory Group.
Works featured
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