"MEERTA: Rise Up!"—David Arden’s Evocative Storytelling and Music at Union Theatre banner

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"MEERTA: Rise Up!"—David Arden’s Evocative Storytelling and Music at Union Theatre

Celebrating First Nations Culture: David Arden’s Powerful Performance at UMAC

The University of Melbourne Arts and Culture will kick off its second season in February 2025 with two performances by top Australian musicians, including David Arden, celebrating personal storytelling at its award-winning cultural precinct. Launched in 2024, UMAC continues to curate and commission arts experiences year-round on the northern edge of the CBD.

Gunditjmara/Kokatha singer-songwriter David Arden will deliver an evocative performance exploring identity, culture, and creativity. As the co-founder and co-musical director of The Black Arm Band, he will share his life story, his great-grandfather, and the Gunditjmara People in "MEERTA: Rise Up! The Ballad of James Arden." This free concert at UMAC's Union Theatre on February 15th is a powerful, deeply personal work that reflects Arden's role in sharing the stories and traditions of First Nations people and his integral presence in Australia’s music scene for over four decades.

MEERTA tells the story of David Arden's great-grandfather, James Arden, who in 1916 resisted control over the Gunditjmara people by missionaries and a station manager. The performance explores identity, friendship, repatriation, racism, freedom, and the ongoing struggle for rights. Arden takes the audience through five generations of his family, from tribal life to urban existence, conveying a message of strength, hope, and understanding. Developed with the Wilin Centre and the Faculty of Fine Arts and Music, "MEERTA: Rise Up! The Ballad of James Arden" will return to the University of Melbourne as a special concert production. It will feature performances and animations by current and former students, alongside contributions from David Arden and his band.

David Arden, an accomplished First Nations musician and songman, has toured internationally and worked with prominent Australian artists, including Archie Roach and Ruby Hunter. As a Gunditjmara/Kokatha Songman, his collaborations and performances significantly impact the Australian music scene, promoting First Nations stories and traditions. The concert at the University of Melbourne celebrates identity, culture, and resilience, highlighting Arden’s significant contributions to Australia's music scene and First Nations storytelling.


Editor's Note

David Arden's upcoming free concert, "MEERTA: Rise Up! The Ballad of James Arden," is a significant event that highlights the power of personal storytelling and cultural expression. At UMAC's Union Theatre, this performance is a rare opportunity to experience the deeply personal and evocative journey of Arden’s family history. This event honours the resilience and identity of the Gunditjmara People and celebrates the rich traditions of First Nations storytelling and music. Arden’s contributions to the Australian music scene, alongside the involvement of current and former University of Melbourne students, make this concert an important cultural milestone that underscores the university's commitment to arts and diversity. 

Skoobuzz believes that this concert will be a remarkable experience for music lovers and for those deeply connected with the rich cultural history of the First Nations.