The First Seeds Sown
In 1908, the Aboriginal prisoner population was an over represented group in our prison system. Sadly, not much has changed to this day. Playing the part of Combo George, a showman, rough rider, fighter and strong man, Matty Chilly does enormous justice to the role.
There can be no mistaking it, the diversity of our history was whitewashed by the journalists who recorded the stories. Yet, being able to include and reintroduce the people of colour and the Aboriginal characters to this incredible narrative is an essential component of Vendetta 19.
Born in Mildura and raised in Robinvale, on Muthi Muthi and Dadi Dadi country, Matty Chilly is an incredible artist and creator. Raised in a large family, surrounded by family members who encouraged his talent, seeing his natural talent for the creative arts,
Matty is a self-motivated, ambitious, and proud multi-clan nation man, with ties to the Wiradjuri, Wemba Wemba, Muthi Muthi, Yorta Yorta & Gubbi Gubbi Aboriginal Tribes. Matthew also has shared ancestry with Māori Iwi’s in New Zealand.
Matt will be playing the role of Aboriginal celebrity rough rider and rodeo champion Combo George in the upcoming Vebdetta 19 production. His character was both a World War IVeterans and the victim of the system who had no desire to fit in with any kind of social norms at that time. Landing in prison over and over again throughout his life, Combo George not only adds a truly fascinating element to the narrative, but also represents the story of the Aboriginal overrepresentation in custody that is still an enormous issue even today this day.
We look forward to Matty shining in this role and can’t wait to join you all at the screening of Vendetta 19 this October!
