Blakout: Dr Christian Thompson, with special guest Williby
- Blakout
- The Count’s
The Ian Potter Centre for Performing Arts
Monash University Clayton Campus
$20 - $35
Past Event
As part of the Blakout series, contemporary artist Dr. Christian Thompson AO explores themes of identity, cultural hybridity, and history in his debut performance at The Count's. With his powerful vocals and experimental classical and ambient sounds, this immersive experience will resonate with audiences long after the performance ends.
Dr. Christian Thompson AO is a pioneering contemporary artist whose multidisciplinary work spans photography, video, sculpture, performance, and sound. His art delves into identity, cultural hybridity, race, gender, sexuality and memory. Through live performances and conceptual portraits, Thompson embodies a range of personas, brought to life through handcrafted costumes and beautifully orchestrated backdrops.
In 2010, Thompson made history as the first Aboriginal Australian man admitted to the University of Oxford. He holds a Doctorate of Philosophy (Fine Art) from Trinity College, Oxford, and master’s degrees in Theatre and Fine Art (Sculpture). A research affiliate at the Pitt Rivers Museum, his work is held in major national and international collections. In 2018, he was named an Officer of the Order of Australia for his distinguished service to the arts and mentorship of young indigenous artists.
Thompson’s exhibitions have spanned the globe; Australia at the Royal Academy of Arts, London, We Bury Our Own at the Pitt Rivers Museum, Oxford, and Shadow Life at the Bangkok Art and Cultural Centre, Thailand to name a few. His major survey exhibition, Christian Thompson: Ritual Intimacy, toured nationally from 2017 to 2019.
For his debut show at The Count’s, Thompson’s captivating vocals take center stage, joined by composer Adam Rudegeair in a mesmerising blend of experimental classical and ambient sounds. Together, they’ll create a rich, immersive sonic experience.
Watch and listen to Christian Thompson
Also appearing: Williby
Williby (fka Diimpa) is avant composer, sonic wizard, and soundscape weaver William Cooper. Originally from Kabi Kabi country, he has been performing in Narrm-Melbourne for over a decade. He takes inspiration from experimental minimalism, classical, and all sounds of country, Williby creates worlds of electro-acoustic contemplative textures and electric pulses.
Williby’s keen interest in durational and transcendent music has been part of Meredith Festival, Brunswick Music Festival, Yirramboi/Blakheart Festivals, and was a Music Victoria’s ‘Best Experimental/Avant-Garde Act’ 2019 nominee. He has created music for several theatre shows including Kerith Manderson-Galvin’s ‘Perpetual Horror’ and Motherless Collective’s ‘Three Blak Ravers’ – and had the privilege to perform Annea Lockwood’s ‘Piano: Garden’ for Rising 2022.
This show is proudly part of Blakout. Blakout is a bold celebration of First Nations talent, shining a spotlight on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists from Reconciliation Week to NAIDOC Week. Experience a deadly mix of music and dance, with a multi-generational lineup that brings powerful First Nations storytelling to life. Find out what else is on during Blakout.
Show Times
Doors @ 6.30pm
Show @ 7.30pm
Eat & Drink
Make a meal of it! The music gets underway at 7.30pm, but arrive a bit earlier if you can. From 6.30pm until 8:00pm, enjoy pre-show dinner and drinks at The Count’s Italian-style kitchen and bar. Reservations are not required when you purchase a ticket to a show. Order from the QR code on your table, or at the bar. View the menu.
