Archie Roach will lead a host of acclaimed indigenous performers at the Astor Theatre on Friday May 26 to commemorate The Twentieth Anniversary of Sorry Day. The celebrated singer-songwriter is a passionate advocate for the Stolen Generations which is vividly captured in his iconic song Took the Children Away. Archie Roach will be joined by local aboriginal artist Gina Williams who has also been a proud representative of her culture, importantly releasing an album entirely in the Noongar language in 2015. The night will also feature local talent such as Della-Rae Morrison, Candice Lorrae, the Madjitil Moorna Choir and 2015/16 WAM Song of the Year winner Beni Bjah.
The special concert is the initiative of the Bringing The Home Committee and Yokai: Healing Our Spirit, to commemorate the anniversary of the Bringing Them Home Report in the Commonwealth Parliament on May 26, 1997. The Co-Convenor of the Bringing Them Home Committee (WA) Jim Morrison said he was delighted to have such a strong indigenous voice like Archie Roach present for such an important occasion, saying Took the Children Away in particular has become “the unofficial anthem for the Stolen Generations”.
“Gina Williams, Della-Rae Morrison, Candice Lorrae, Beni Bjah are also award winning singers and songwriters so this is going to be a very special night showcasing some of the best Aboriginal performers in this country. We are also delighted that production for the night is being coordinated by well-known Noongar performer and producer Phil Walley-Stack” He said.
Proceeds from the Concert will support the Yokai: Healing Our Spirit initiative, which provides cultural healing for the Stolen Generations and their families. Most of the performers on the night will have connections to the Stolen Generation and will be joined by Stolen Generations survivors and the reconciliation community to acknowledge the important commemoration. Everyone is invited to attend this special event that promises to be a captivating evening of reflection, recognition and appreciation for the unique voices that define aboriginal culture in Australia.
The Twentieth Anniversary of Sorry Day Commemoration takes place at Astor Theatre Friday, May 26 from 6.30pm. Tickets are available now from astortheatreperth.com.
