MEERTA - Rise Up! The Ballad of James Arden
UMAC acknowledges the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung peoples of the Kulin Nation as the Traditional Owners of the unceded land on which we work. We pay respect to their Elders past and present, and their enduring traditions of knowledge sharing, performing and storytelling on this land.
Actors name
Chars name
Dave Arden's
MEERTA
When
3pm - 4.30pm
Where
Union Theatre
Arts and Cultural Building
The University of Melbourne
15 Monash Road, Parkville VIC 3010
Get Directions
In 1916, activist James Arden made a stand for Gunditjmara people against the missionaries and the station manager who controlled their movement. His story is a tale of identity, friendship, repatriation, racism, freedom and fighting for your rights.
Now, David Arden, the renowned co-founder and co-musical director of The Black Arm Band, shares the story of his life, his Great Grandfather and the Gunditjmara People in a powerful piece of truth-telling and intimately personal theatre.
Developed in collaboration with the Wilin Centre and the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music, MEERTA returns to the University of Melbourne for a special concert production featuring performances and animations by past and present students alongside David Arden and his band.
Book now to secure a free ticket to this one-off presentation of David Arden’s captivating musical journey.
Tickets
Free
Running Time
90 minutes with no interval
Content Warnings
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and all peoples should be aware that MEERTA - Rise Up! The Ballad of James Arden and the associated songs, artworks, videos & website may contain the images, voices and/or names of people who have passed away. David Arden and family has respectfully consulted widely with family and community for appropriate use of images and in some circumstances where this may not have been possible we acknowledge it can cause deep distress and sadness for family members, extended family members, communities and peoples associated with the deceased. Upon request we will respectfully remove any images that may cause any individual family or community member distress or discomfort.
Animations
MEERTA animations were created by students Bethany Davey, Sophie Deka, Elizabeth Eather, Hunter Kelly, Chloe Jia Ying Lau, Suniva Miller, Korbin Munn, Oliver Wilson, Lucas Wylie and Jiayun Zhang, with support from lecturers Darren Bell and Christie Widiarto.
Accessibility
-
Wheelchair Accessible
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Infared Hearing Assist System
MEERTA is supported by the City of Melbourne and the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria. Originally commissioned by YIRRAMBOI.
Cast & Creatives
David Arden
Creator and Performer
David Arden is an accomplished First Nations musician and songman who has worked alongside some of the most respected names in the Australian music Industry. David has toured extensively both nationally & internationally having spent five years as lead guitarist and vocalist with Archie Roach, and Ruby Hunter.
His music pays tribute to land, country and his Gunditjmara / Kokatha heritage. David’s long and significant career is marked by his dedication to celebrating and preserving First Nation culture and history through music.
His collaborations with other artists and his ongoing performances have made a significant impact on the Australian music scene, and he continues to be a vital figure in promoting and sharing First Nation stories and traditions through his music, as a Gunditjmara/Kokatha Songman.
In 1916, activist James Arden made a stand for Gunditjmara people against the missionaries and the station manager who controlled their movement. His story is a tale of identity, friendship, repatriation, racism, freedom and fighting for your rights.
Now, David Arden, the renowned co-founder and co-musical director of The Black Arm Band, shares the story of his life, his Great Grandfather and the Gunditjmara People in a powerful piece of truth-telling and intimately personal theatre.
Developed in collaboration with the Wilin Centre and the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music, MEERTA returns to the University of Melbourne for a special concert production featuring performances and animations by past and present students alongside David Arden and his band.
Book now to secure a free ticket to this one-off presentation of David Arden’s captivating musical journey.
Cast & Creatives
David Arden
Creator and Performer
David Arden is an accomplished First Nations musician and songman who has worked alongside some of the most respected names in the Australian music Industry. David has toured extensively both nationally & internationally having spent five years as lead guitarist and vocalist with Archie Roach, and Ruby Hunter.
His music pays tribute to land, country and his Gunditjmara / Kokatha heritage. David’s long and significant career is marked by his dedication to celebrating and preserving First Nation culture and history through music.
His collaborations with other artists and his ongoing performances have made a significant impact on the Australian music scene, and he continues to be a vital figure in promoting and sharing First Nation stories and traditions through his music, as a Gunditjmara/Kokatha Songman.