The fifth YIRRAMBOI Festival is set to take over Narrm's arts precinct in May, with a dedicated hub honouring the late trailblazer Uncle Jack Charles.
Returning from 1-11 May 2025, the festival will feature five world premieres, two international presentations and a feast of up-late activations, all celebrating First Nations storytelling.
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.”
Key dates and venues
Lazarus (World Premiere)
- Thursday 1 May to Saturday 3 May
- The Uncle Jack Charles, The Tower, Malthouse Theatre
Three Blak Ravers (World Premiere)
- Thursday 1 May to Saturday 3 May
- The Uncle Jack Charles, The Beckett, Malthouse Theatre
Blakout 2.0 (World Premiere)
- Friday 2 May to Saturday 3 May
- The Uncle Jack Charles, The Merlyn, Malthouse Theatre
House Arrest (World Premiere)
- Thursday 8 May to Saturday 10 May
- The Uncle Jack Charles, The Beckett, Malthouse Theatre
Cut The Sky
- Friday 9 May to Saturday 10 May
- The Uncle Jack Charles, The Merlyn, Malthouse Theatre
Mythosoma (World Premiere)
- Thursday 8 May to Saturday 10 May
- The Uncle Jack Charles, Chunky Move
The Seventh Fire (Australian Premiere)
- Thursday 8 May to Saturday 10 May
- The Uncle Jack Charles, The Tower, Malthouse Theatre
Check out our gig guide, our festival guide, our live music venue guide and our nightclub guide. Follow us on Instagram here.
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YIRRAMBOI Creative Lead Sherene Stewart adds, “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, emphasised the importance of her uncle’s legacy: “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.”
The festival also includes Uncle Jack’s Blakyard, an up-late gathering spot at the Malthouse Courtyard featuring comedy, installations, spontaneous performances and DJs running across five nights.
Festival-goers can access a 25% discount code on all Uncle Jack Charles shows by signing up to YIRRAMBOI’s mailing list. Discounts available until 10pm on Wednesday 5 March.
For more information, head here.
