MEERTA: Rise Up! The Ballad of James Arden brings together a deadly team of artists led by accomplished singer songwriter David Arden. MEERTA is a creative musical performance of powerful truth telling and warm heartfelt theatre.
MEERTA: Rise Up! The Ballad of James Arden tells the story of Dave’s Great Grandfather James Arden, & the Gunditjmara People– a story of identity, urban & tribal life, friendship, repatriation, racism, freedom & fighting for your rights. MEERTA is an opportunity for audiences to learn firsthand about First Nations, people & history.
MEERTA’s songs and visuals tell the story of The Arden family and the Gunditjmara People. In 1916, Dave’s Great Grandfather James Arden made a stand for Gunditjmara people, to fight for their rights, against the missionaries & the station manager who controlled the movement of the Gunditjmara tribe, he was an activist of his time. He was a tribal man born on the lands of Gariwerd, where his lore, his dreaming, and his cultural ways and traditional country were important to his identity. He was taken from his country to Lake Condah and Framlingham missions. Stories like James Arden’s must be told.
As a talented songman David Arden is continuing his cultural responsibility, healing community & sharing culture through music. Dave a Gunditjmara/Kokatha Songman & Storyteller is a highly experienced & accomplished First Nations musician who has collaborated and performed with some of Australia’s most highly regarded musicians. He has had many highlights in his successful career as a musician.
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