An unmissable journey through music and identity this February at UMAC

by | Jan 16, 2025

Following acclaimed seasons of Belvoir’s Counting and Cracking and PIECES with Lucy Guerin Inc in 2024, University of Melbourne Arts and Culture (UMAC) commences its second season with a powerful celebration of personal storytelling. February 2025 will feature two extraordinary performances by some of Australia’s leading musical talents: a joyous and deeply personal solo cabaret by Milo Hartill and an evocative performance from Gunditjmara/Kokatha singer-songwriter David Arden. Together, these works promise an unforgettable exploration of identity, culture, and creativity.

At the centre of the Venn diagram of queer, chunky, brown women with the voice of an angel, you’ll find the terrifying talent that is Milo Hartill. Part cabaret, part song-cycle and part influencer-takeover, Black, Fat and F**gy is a tonic for our times and a queer Black fantasia from “one of the country’s most exciting new entertainers” (Time Out Sydney). This 5-star show is playing from 3rd – 6th February at UMAC’s Guild Theatre as part of Midsumma Festival 2025.

David Arden, the celebrated co-founder and co-musical director of The Black Arm Band, shares 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 Nation stories and traditions. MEERTA will be presented in a free concert production at UMAC’s Union Theatre on Saturday 15th February.

Milo Hartill – Black, Fat and F**gy
How do you tell the story of a mixed race, fat, bisexual, underwear model, performer and Instagram influencer? You sing a fistful of killer songs in a brand spanking new cabaret of course. Straddling pretty much all of the hottest 2024 minorities (take that as you will), Milo’s unique perspective has her perfectly placed to unpack the now.

In her world premiere new show fresh on the heels of its Sydney season, Milo delves into personal stories, belts out songs ranging from Mousse T to Nina Simone, and kicks around some undoubtedly controversial opinions on the current state of the influencer, theatre and singing scenes in Australia.

David Arden – MEERTA: Rise Up! The Ballad of James Arden
In 1916, David 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 the story of David, his Grandfather and the Gunditjmara people, it is a tale of identity, friendship, repatriation, racism, freedom and fighting for your rights. David takes 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 David Arden and his band.

Tickets on sale now for both Milo Hartill: Black, Fat and F**gy and MEERTA: Rise Up! The Ballad of James Arden at umac.melbourne

Milo Hartill: Black, Fat and F**gy

Dates 3-6 February 2025

Venue Guild Theatre

Arts and Cultural Building

15 Monash Road, Parkville
The University of Melbourne VIC 3010

Tickets On sale now via umac.melbourne

MEERTA – Rise Up! The Ballad of James Arden

Dates 15 February 2025

Venue Union Theatre

Arts and Cultural Building

15 Monash Road, Parkville
The University of Melbourne VIC 3010

Tickets On sale now via umac.melbourne

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