Aboriginal elder and human rights activist, William Cooper is best known for his contribution to the first organised protests against colonisation and initiating the Day of Mourning on January 26, 1938.
On December 6, 1938 William Cooper, aged 78, led a delegation from his home in Footscray to the German Consulate in Collins Street Melbourne, to present the only private citizen's protest to the German government against their persecution of the Jews.
On November 9-10, 1938, Jewish businesses, synagogues, houses and schools were destroyed, dozens of people were killed or taken to concentration camps, in what is known as Kristallnacht the night of broken glass.
Having publicly condemned the mistreatment of Aboriginal people in Australia, William Cooper could not stay silent.
The Yorta Yorta man’s heroic feat is celebrated in a musical, Night of Broken Glass, by acclaimed performer, composer and musical director Warren Wills.
The performance will premier as an online event on February 21st as part of St. Kilda writers’ festival.
93-year-old grandson of Aboriginal activist William Cooper, Uncle Boydie Turner is part of the piece as is Senior Australian of the Year, legendary Aboriginal actor, Jack Charles.
The main live event will be in November 2021 in St. Kilda if current pandemic circumstances permit.
