Melbourne’s arts precinct is set to come alive with the return of YIRRAMBOI, the city’s premier First Nations arts festival, from 1 to 11 May 2025. Now in its fifth iteration, the festival will honour the enduring legacy of the late Uncle Jack Charles, a trailblazer in First Nations storytelling, with a dedicated hub named in his honour at Malthouse Theatre and Chunky Move.
The Uncle Jack Charles hub will feature five world premieres, two international works, and nightly activations by First Nations DJs, transforming the space into a vibrant celebration of Blak creativity.
YIRRAMBOI Creative Lead J-Maine Beezley said, “We pay homage to the profound legacy of Uncle Jack Charles, who broke down barriers by offering authentic First Nations representation. As we step into the future, we must never forget the power of our past.”
Highlights of the 2025 program include Lazarus, a powerful theatre piece exploring the life of Taungurung Elder Larry Walsh; House Arrest, a YIRRAMBOI commission delving into transgenerational trauma; and Cut the Sky, a visceral dance theatre performance addressing climate collapse.
The festival also features Three Blak Ravers, a queer horror cabaret, and BLAKOUT 2.0, a groundbreaking celebration of queer and cultural identity.
Uncle Jack Charles’ niece, Ajia Hamilton, shared, “Uncle Jack was a warrior, a storyteller, and a guiding light. This hub stands as a testament to his life’s work—uplifting First Nations voices and celebrating our culture with pride.”
The Uncle Jack Charles hub will also host free programming, including Blakyard Mixer, Koorie-oke, and Blak Love and Rage, creating a space for community, connection, and celebration.
Tickets for the first seven shows are on sale now, with the full program announcement set for 6 March. Visit yirramboi.com.au for details and follow @yirramboi for updates.
