We acknowledge and pay our respects to the Elders, Ancestors and leaders of the Kulin Nations on whose unceded lands ILBIJERRI Theatre Company is based.
We extend this respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, recognising their resilience and ongoing connection to land, water and culture, despite ongoing colonial interruption and genocide.
Always was, always will be, sacred Indigenous land.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples should be advised that this website may contain images of deceased persons.
A Tribute to Uncle Jack Charles
Star of the Stage & Screen 1943 - 2022
Join us for special screenings of two of Uncle Jack Charles' most well-known works: the stage play Jack Charles V The Crown which played at home and across international stages for eight years, and Bastardy - a documentary film made about him which was released in 2008.
Jack Charles was a proud Boon Wurrung, Woi Wurrung, Dja Dja Wurrung and Taungurung Man. His life was an extraordinary one, not only for the impressive list of formal achievements and commendations, but for the things he overcame across his lifetime including the trauma of being a member of the Stolen Generation, a childhood spent in institutions and foster care, addiction and a subsequent life of crime.
He discovered a love for performance and went on to to do volumes of stage and screen work. These two special works both expose aspects of his life, warts and all, whilst honouring the lovable, cheeky irreverent man with dulcet tones who will remain a household name for many years to come.
Screening Details
Jack Charles V The Crown Screening
JACK CHARLES V THE CROWN premiered in 2010 and toured nationally and internationally for eight years, charming a generation of theatre goers into a deeper understanding of what it means to be a survivor of the Stolen Generations.
Collingwood Town Hall
Thu 22 Sep, 5.15pm
Ceremony from 4.30pm
All welcome.
FREE, but registration essential
If you are unable to make it, click below to watch online
Bastardy Screenings
Bastardy is the story of one man’s journey into the light. Filmmaker Amiel Courtin-Wilson follows Jack Charles over seven years – blurring the line between director and accomplice. Footage from this film appears in Jack Charles V The Crown.
Ticket prices vary - visit separate venues for booking details
MEET THE FILMMAKER - Thursday 22 September, 7pm
Director Amiel Courtin-Wilson will be joined by Uncle Jack Charles' manager Patrice Capogreco, Artistic Director and co-CEO of ILBIJERRI Rachael Maza, hosted by broadcaster Namila Benson for a live in-cinema conversation following the feature.
Thurs 22 Sept, 11am & 7pm (10% of box office donated to VAHS)
Fri 23 Sept, 11.15am & 7pm
Sat 24 Sept, 11.30am
Sun 25 Sept, 1.15pm
Thurs 22 Sept, 6pm, ($20 entry with $5 going to the Archie Roach Foundation)
Sat 24 Sept, 7:30pm
Sunday 25 Sept, 1.30pm
Creative Credits
JACK CHARLES V THE CROWN
Filmed at Belvoir St Theatre, 2011
Starring Uncle Jack Charles
Writers Uncle Jack Charles & John Romeril
Director Rachael Maza
Dramaturge John Romeril
Musical Director Nigel MacLean
Guitar & Violin Nigel MacLean
Percussion Phil Collings
Bass Mal Beveridge
Script Consultant Melanie Beddie
Set & Costume Designer Emily Barrie
Lighting Designer Danny Pettingill
Audio Visual Designer Peter Worland
Stage and Production Manager Suzie Franke
Stage: Jack Charles Up and Fighting (1972), Bastardy (1972), Dimboola (1973), Cradle of
Hercules (1975) No Sugar (1990), Dead Heart (1993), Jack Charles V The Crown (2010-2018),
Coranderrk (2010-2017), Black Ties (2020).
Film: Chant of Jimmie Black Smith (1978), Blackfella’s (1993), Bedevil (1993), Bastardy the
Doco (2009), Pan (2015), Wolf Creek (2016).
TV series: Ben Hall (1975), Women of the Sun (1981), Clever Man (2016 ), Mystery Road
(2013), Gods of Wheat Street (2014 ), Preppers (2021).
AWARDS
