Jack Charles is and was a lot of things: actor, cat burglar, heroin addict, inmate, homeless person. Now he’s only one of those things – but one thing the actor will always be, indisputably, is Aboriginal.
At least in the eyes of everyone except the federal government’s arts funding body, the Australia Council, who have demanded the actor formally prove his ancestry before they accept his proposal for a grant to write a coffee table book based on his life.
“Yes, I obviously look like an Aboriginal,” Charles told The Age.
“I don’t want a temporary visa from the Australia Council proclaiming I’m an Aboriginal,” he said.
“I expect to be treated honourably and with respect…I have received money in the past but nobody has ever asked me if I’m Aboriginal. This is the only time.”
The required proof (apparently they won’t accept a “Jack Charles” Google image search) involves a letter provided by a senior member of the community or registered indigenous organisation confirming his indigenous background. “The policy is not intended to cause offence,” said Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Arts Board executive director, Lydia Miller.
“Rather, it is in place to ensure that this dedicated funding supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists.”
Too late for that.
“I can laugh at it now but really mate, it’s taken the wind out of my sails,” Charles said.
“I find it very hard to even walk into the Sydney Theatre Company and engage with rehearsals…I’m not going to perform for them if I have to prove I’m a bloody Aboriginal.”
Charles was the subject of Melbourne director Amiel Courtin-Wilson’s stunning 2008 documentary Bastardy and intends to work again with the filmmaker on the production of the book.
