When the National Arts Centre announced its 2015-16 theatre season lineup earlier this year, Jack Charles v The Crown stood out as a special performance.
Opening this evening at the NAC for a limited run that finishes this Saturday, January 16, this one-man show has been captivating audiences in different countries with its inspiring tale of resilience.
Performed by acclaimed Australian aboriginal actor Jack Charles, who is still going strong at 72 years of age, this autobiographical work tells the story of his rich and varied life.
A member of Australia’s stolen generation, he was taken from his mother as a baby and become a residential school survivor. He later spent time in prison, lived on the street and was a drug addict.
However, from this darkness he grew up to be a living legend in his homeland, thanks to his music, activism and acting.
A tribal elder, Charles was one of his country’s first professional actors and co-founded Nindethana Theatre, Australia’s first Indigenous theatre compay. Today, the septuagenarian is a role model, and was recently awarded the 2016 Victorian Senior Australian of the Year award.
Judging from previous reviews of this play, Ottawa audiences can expect an evening filled with optimism, humour and wit, even though this performance does deal with a tragic past.
Jack Charles v The Crown plays at the NAC studio until Saturday, January 16. Tickets can be purchased online or at the NAC box office.
