The story goes that when Archie Roach first played his 1990 hit Took the Children Away at Melbourne Concert Hall, he was met with complete silence.

Confused, Roach was about to leave the stage when the audience erupted in a thunderous applause that he has said resembled a “tidal wave” of noise.

Thirty-three years later and Roach’s music is once again being played in the same venue – now renamed Hamer Hall – in One Song: The Music of Archie Roach. Though much has changed since that first performance, the response to Roach’s music remains as thunderous as ever.

One Song: A Tribute to Archie Roach. Photo © Laura Manariti

Supported by Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, and featuring fellow musicians, friends and family, this two-hour tribute to the Gunditjmara/Bundjalung artist and elder is a stirring testament to his indelible influence.

The show begins with an introduction from Roach’s nephew and sister, an opening that makes it clear that despite this 2500-seat theatre, and the spectacle afforded by its impressive lighting rig, this will be an intimate affair.

Director Rachael Maza (Artistic Director of ILIBIJERRI Theatre Company) has peppered each song with personal touches that...