New musical celebrating the story of an Aboriginal elder who stood up to the Nazis

“It’s a great privilege to know the life of William Cooper. For someone who grew up in this country; Aboriginal stories, Aboriginal culture were simply not taught in schools in Australia. And here we are today in 2021 celebrating the story of this amazing human rights activist, William Cooper.”- Warren Wills, author Night of Broken Glass.

Warren Wills - composer, musical director and performer- NIGHT OF BROKEN GLASS Source: NITV Radio

Night of Broken Glass is a musical by multi-award-winning composer, musical director and performer Warren Wills. 

This piece tells the story of William Cooper, an Aboriginal human rights activist and the events of Kristallnacht on the 8th November 1938.

Having publicly condemned the mistreatment of Aborigines in Australia, William Cooper stay silent and petitioned the German Government against the persecution of the Jews. The only private citizen to do so.

Warren Wills’ recounting of the historic feat celebrates inclusivity and thus the story is told in music, song, dance, and personal testimony.

Night of Broken Glass will be presented on the weekend of February 20th and 21st, 2021 as an online event as part of St Kilda Writer’s Festival.

The company that commemorates this historical event comprises children, students, professionals, writers, homeless, disabled, elderly, multi-gender and multi-ethnic performers.