YIRRAMBOI 2025 Unveils Uncle Jack Charles Festival Hub and First Program Drop
Returning for its fifth festival from 1–11 May 2025, YIRRAMBOI reclaims centre stage in Narrm’s arts precinct with a dedicated festival hub, the Uncle Jack Charles – named as a tribute to the late Uncle Jack Charles, a trailblazer of First Nations storytelling.
Taking over Malthouse Theatre and Chunky Move, the Uncle Jack Charles will transform the space with striking installations and performances, including five world premieres, two international works, and up-late gatherings activated by First Nations DJs.
YIRRAMBOI Creative Lead, J-Maine Beezley said, “Returning to this year's festival, we once again pay homage to the profound and enduring legacy of Uncle Jack Charles. Uncle Jack Charles broke down barriers in the arts by offering authentic First Nations representation in a way that challenged stereotypical portrayals. Much alike YIRRAMBOI, as we walk in the footsteps of giants, we too take on the cultural and community responsibility of forging our own path, as we step into the Future, we must never forget the power of our past.”
YIRRAMBOI Creative Lead, Sherene Stewart said, “In May 2025, we again platform the unapologetic voices of First Nations creatives, taking centre stage in the arts precinct of Melbourne, in the arts of capital of Australia, with five world premiere works, two international presentations and a feast of up-late activations. This is only the beginning, so stay tuned for our full festival announcement on March 6 where we celebrate the convergence of over 400+ First Nations creatives, over 10 days, in one city.”
Uncle Jack’s niece, Ajia Hamilton said, “Uncle Jack Charles was more than an icon—he was a warrior, a storyteller, and a guiding light for our people. His legacy of resilience, wisdom, and boundless generosity continues to inspire us all. The Uncle Jack Charles Hub at Malthouse Theatre and Chunky Move, as part of YIRRAMBOI, stands as a testament to his life’s work—uplifting First Nations voices and celebrating our culture with pride. Uncle always led with love, laughter, and unwavering truth, and through this space, his spirit will forever live on. It is an honour to carry his fire forward.”
FUTURE’S PAST
The 2025 Festival explores ‘Futures, Past,’ celebrating the cyclical relationship with time and recognising that our future is deeply connected to our past.
Ancestors to Ancestors,
bones of my bones
who are we if not her?
tides, reflecting
our Futures, Past.
Highlights of the program include Lazarus (theatre) and the remarkable story of Taungurung Elder Larry Walsh, from the Stolen Generations to his fight for justice. This dynamic, fast-paced three-hander by John Harding weaves through the many lives and loves of Lazarus, capturing his humour, resilience, and spirit. Packed full of evocative imagery and music of the times, this powerful performance will have audiences laughing, crying, and craving more as Lazarus rises.... again. 1-3 May. The Uncle Jack Charles, The Tower, Malthouse Theatre
HOUSE ARREST (theatre), a YIRRAMBOI 2025 commission by Alexis West and directed by Kamarra Bell-Wykes plunges characters into an alternate reality game world of DEADLY 2.0. There, they must confront their connection to loss, exploring themes of transgenerational trauma, connection, and escapism.
8-10 May. The Uncle Jack Charles, The Beckett, Malthouse Theatre
Three Blak Ravers (drag cabaret/theatre) is a queer horror twisting the familiar into the sinister, blending haunting supernatural elements with raw human emotion. In this YIRRAMBOI 2025 and Arts House commission from the Motherless Collective, secrets buried deep rise to unleash a force neither human nor monstrous. With vibrant LGBTQIA+SB characters and eerie soundscapes, this chilling tale explores the limits of identity, fear, and survival.
1-3 May. The Uncle Jack Charles, The Beckett, Malthouse Theatre
Greenroom Award winner for Best Outstanding Ensemble at YIRRAMBOI 2023, BLAKOUT 2.0 (cabaret/theatre) returns in 2025, boldly redefining shared queer and cultural experiences. Commissioned by YIRRAMBOI and Arts Centre Melbourne, this groundbreaking global iteration from House of Alexander weaves contemporary art practices, ballroom, culture, music, and storytelling into a mesmerising showcase of identity, resilience, and undeniable essence.
2-3 May. The Uncle Jack Charles, The Merlyn, Malthouse Theatre
Marrugeku’s powerful, provocative performance, Cut the Sky (dance theatre), casts its gaze to a horizon that still shimmers with hope—but only if we act. Visceral, vocal, and urgent, Cut the Sky digs into the colonial mindset that has transformed First Nations lands into a resource supermarket to explore the deep fissures left in its wake. Featuring songs by Ngaiire and Tanya Tagaq, cyclonic choreography, and video art capturing epic landscapes, this riveting pre-apocalyptic odyssey dares to question the inevitability of climate collapse.
9-10 May. The Uncle Jack Charles, The Merlyn, Malthouse Theatre
Created by Lisa Cooke Ravensbergen, (Canada) The Seventh Fire (experimental theatre) interweaves traditional Anishinaabe stories and societal roles to evoke ceremony in the everyday. This immersive audio performance follows sisters reconnecting on their ancestral territory, guided by their grandmother’s Spirit World fires. A somatic link to ancestral realms, this work embodies transformation and cultural inheritance.
8-10 May. The Uncle Jack Charles, The Tower, Malthouse Theatre
Mythosoma (contemporary dance) is a living, symbiotic ritual where healing, creation, and reciprocity unfold in real-time. Led by Body Island, featuring the dynamically charged talents of Jahra Wasasala, Ooshcon, Jada Narkle (Noongar), Nancy Wijohn, and Moana Ete, this performance flows through a stunning interplay of Indigenous mythologies, street dance, and contemporary somatic practices. Mythosoma invites an experience beyond convention, transforming the stage into a shifting ecosystem where memory, connection, and imagination converge via soma multiplicity and interconnection.
8-10 May. The Uncle Jack Charles, Chunky Move
THE UNCLE JACK CHARLES FREE PROGRAMMING
Curated in celebration of Blak love and joy, the Uncle Jack Charles awakens nightly into a gathering space of immersive activations, collective experiences, and free public programming.
Picture a laid-back Blakyard where the air is filled with the sound of heartfelt tunes, hilarious song dedications, and nostalgic anthems. From the romantic to the platonic, sing along and raise a glass with Lub Song Dedications under the stars.
2 May. The Uncle Jack Charles, Courtyard, Malthouse Theatre
Shiralee Hood brings her sharp wit, engaging stage presence, and unique blend of humour to One Night Stand – a night of laughter, connection, and entertainment.
4 May. The Uncle Jack Charles, Courtyard, Malthouse Theatre
Blakyard Mixer serves as a gathering point celebrating the opening weekend of the festival and after-party for BLAKOUT 2.0. Come for the music and stay for the vibes.
3 May. The Uncle Jack Charles, Courtyard, Malthouse Theatre
Channel your inner diva at Blakyard Koorie-oke, hosted by the big noter 2JOOCEE. Whether you’re belting out a classic or cheering on the mob, this is more than a night of karaoke – this is Koorie-oke.
9 May. The Uncle Jack Charles, Courtyard, Malthouse Theatre
A one-time special event curated by Tarneen Onus-Williams, Blak Love and Rage centers First Nations voices, in a relaxed yarn around the fire pit, Tarneen will lead a conversation with brilliant Blak minds, coming together to express their rightful love, and rightful rage.
8 May. The Uncle Jack Charles, Courtyard, Malthouse Theatre
Tickets for the first seven shows at The Uncle Jack Charles are on sale now. Visit yirramboi.com.au for details, sign up to the mailing list for discounts, and follow @yirramboi on social media for updates.
YIRRAMBOI will announce their full program on the 6th of March.
Media Contact: Zilla & Brook Publicity
Fiona Brook 0407 900 840 Fiona@zillaaandbrook.com.au
Emma Christie 0432 567 112 Emma@zillaandbrook.com.au
Images. Top: Cut The Sky. Image by Bryony Jackson.
Bottom: Lazarus. Image by Daniela Rodriguez