Jack Charles V The Crown
By ILBIJERRI Theatre Company
Following an internationally-acclaimed tour, Uncle Jack Charles returns to Australia to perform Jack Charles V The Crown as part of ILBIJERRI’s 25th anniversary.
An Australian legend, Uncle Jack Charles is a veteran actor, musician, Koori elder and activist, but for a good portion of his nearly 70 years he has also been an addict, a thief and a regular in Victoria’s prisons.
From Stolen Generation to Koori theatre in the 70s, from film sets to Her Majesty’s prisons, Jack Charles V The Crown runs the gamut of a life lived to its utmost. Charles’ unswerving optimism transforms this tale of addiction, crime and doing time into a kind of vagabond’s progress – a map of the traps of dispossession and a guide to reaching the age of grey-haired wisdom.
This fleet-footed, light-fingered one-man show is a theatrical delight and a celebration of Black Australia’s dogged refusal to give up on getting on.
“Steeped in decades of our history (social, political, theatrical), surprisingly upbeat… a warm-hearted, very entertaining evening.”
– Sydney Morning Herald
“There is something special about Uncle Jack. Something about his voice, his stature, his laugh, his story – something powerful but humbling. It was that something that ricocheted people to their feet to give the man a standing ovation. It is most certainly, something that you won’t want to miss.” – Australian Stage
"A consummate showman with a tragic and enlightening life story, this is an intriguing piece of stage craft” – Plays to See (UK)
Feedback/Comments
Thought provoking, he is an outstanding actor.
Extraordinary story told by a wonderful storyteller and very special person,Jack Charles. These are the stories we need to hear and experience. Thank you Ilbijerri and Uncle Jack Charles for sharing it.
an interesting show cementing the issues of the stolen generation !
amazing and interesting solo performance.
Pretty good concepts. The production values were largely high, but it wasn't as polished as I would have expected it to be. Still well worth seeing though.
raw, brave & enjoyable ...
the photos & memorabilia used throughout the show will linger for some time ...
as will the music ...
thank-you Jack & band ...
Mesmerising show and atmosphere
An unforgettable show, Jack Charles sharing his life experiences!
An interesting story presented in monologue form by Jack Charles. The band helped to provide another element to enjoy alongside Jack's story.
For anyone who has seen the doco 'Bastardy', this won't have a lot of new material but Jack's wit and presence make it very interesting. For anyone who really hasn't paid much attention to the plight and experience of the first australians, this will be an education, without being preachy; it is a very personal tale. Jack's triumph over his past is deeply touching. It was an enjoyable performance with some great insights and clever Jack deserves to be regarded as a national treasure. Thanks!
Was not sure if I'd like this but an amazing story teller that would be a shame to be a junkie!! Make the most of the cards you are dealt and don't blame others for your bad choices!! Was a balanced story I throughly enjoyed.
A true survivor! His personal story told in the play is one of hope & "redemption" (hope also that one day white Australia will be redeemed). Enjoyed the music & songs, photos from his childhood & footage from his past doco, as well as the stories of his more recent life. Best line is his response to being denied a visa to enter England! Thanks On The House.
Jack Charles....you are a wonderful personality with a beautiful deliverance and production! Is this the miracle?? Certainly not to be missed, for sure!!
A good insight for people who would like to know more about Aboriginal culture.
Absolutely brilliant!
Great speaking and singing voice.
Has lots of lines to learn and messes up on the lines a few times. Music support is good as is the staging.
What an extraordinary performance. Jack Charles has true stage presence and the 3 musicians on stage with him round out this important story. A must see for anyone interested in a glimpse of his off stage life. Thanks On the House.