Kicking off 2025 with a bang, this month it has been announced that the University of Melbourne Arts and Culture will commence its second season with a powerful celebration of personal storytelling.

Launched in 2024, the University of Melbourne Arts and Culture (UMAC) continues to present, curate and commission arts experiences throughout the year at its award-winning cultural precinct on the northern edge of the CBD.

In February 2025, the university will feature two performances by some of Australia's leading musical talents, including David Arden.

Set to bring to the stage an evocative performance, the Gunditjmara/Kokatha singer-songwriter will explore themes of of identity, culture, and creativity.

In his performance the celebrated co-founder and co-musical director of The Black Arm Band, will share the story of his life, his Great Grandfather, and the Gunditjmara People in 'MEERTA: Rise Up! The Ballad of James Arden'.

This is a powerful piece of truth-telling and intimately personal theatre, from a legendary performer who has been part of Australia's music scene for four decades and who continues to be a vital figure in promoting and sharing First Nations stories and traditions.

MEERTA will be presented in a free concert production at UMAC's Union Theatre on Saturday the 15th of February.

In 1916, Arden's Great-Grandfather activist James Arden made a stand for Gunditjmara people against the missionaries and the station manager who controlled their movement.

MEERTA is not only the story of Arden, his Grandfather and the Gunditjmara people, it is a tale of identity, friendship, repatriation, racism, freedom and fighting for your rights. In his performance, Arden strives to take audiences on a journey through the five generations of his family, from tribal to urban life, with a message of strength hope and understanding.

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 Arden and his band.

Arden is an accomplished First Nations musician and songman who has worked alongside some of the most respected names in the Australian music Industry, toured internationally and spent five years as lead guitarist and vocalist with Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter. Arden's 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 Nations stories and traditions through his music, as a Gunditjmara/Kokatha Songman.

Tickets on sale MEERTA: Rise Up! The Ballad of James Arden.

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