Driftwood The Musical at Eternity Playhouse, 39 Burton St, Darlinghurst NSW 2010

Driftwood the Musical: An epic story of love, courage, survival... and foldable umbrellas, is based on a best-selling memoir, telling the incredible true story of one family’s miraculous escape from Nazi Germany.

Driftwood The Musical presented by the Umbrella Foundation tells the inspirational story of the renowned Austrian/Australian sculptor Karl Duldig and his artist/inventor wife, Slawa Horowitz-Duldig. We follow their lives in pre-war Vienna, Slawa’s ingenious invention of the foldable umbrella, and an incredible chain of events after miraculously escaping the Holocaust and rebuilding their careers as artists in Australia. A magical story of art and creativity, survival and perseverance, family, freedom and love.

This epic story that covers three continents and three generations has been adapted for the stage by award-winning playwright Jane Bodie, based on the original memoir by Eva de Jong-Duldig. It features original music, lyrics and arrangements by Anthony Barnhill with lyrics by Tania de Jong AM and Jane Bodie.

Driftwood The Musical is directed by acclaimed theatre-maker Gary Abrahams. Driftwood captures the universal narrative of seeking safety for yourself and your family, the lingering effects of intergenerational trauma and inspiringly shares the contribution one family has made to the nation.

The plight of refugees during wartime and the themes of loss, escape, migration, internment and resettlement remain relevant in modern Australia. They are dramatically illustrated through this uplifting true story of survival and add to its universal appeal. The themes also mirror today’s growing global dislocation, division, uncertainty and isolation, increased surveillance, fear, lockdowns, and closed borders, as well as the loss of community and connection that threatens our social fabric and, ultimately, our humanity.

The title reflects the transitory nature of ‘driftwood’, which drifts to a temporary resting place only to be picked up by the next wave and taken on a further unknown journey. This epic story crosses continents and tells a significant story of art and artists through history. Dark and tragic in parts, it is nevertheless embodied with a fierce element of hope, intelligence, tenacity and survival. Driftwood is more than a memoir. It is an inspiration. Eva weaves her remarkable story of escaping the Holocaust and overcoming its ghosts to find the key to freedom.

“Driftwood The Musical is a moving, enthralling story of a family surviving the ravages of war. It is so timely, that it’s both poetical and painful. The stagecraft is mesmerising. The music is sublime. The acting and singing are superlative. This world premiere production is set to take the world by storm. This story and stunningly-crafted musical deserves to tour the world as a beacon of hope, and a reminder to avoid history repeating itself.” – Australian Stage

“Thank you so much for your wonderful production. Our students were deeply moved and affected by it.” – Sarah Merry, St Michaels

“Driftwood comes together with so much talent and commitment. The family history behind this show is one of extraordinary courage, ingenuity and artistic triumph in the face of the enormity of the Holocaust and the unimaginable trauma and loss experienced by those who survived it. Director Gary Abrahams keeps the story’s emotional core vivid and convincing and Anthony Barnhill’s score suits the material well. The singing is excellent. Based on a true story, this show has heart.” – Cameron Woodhead, The Age

The event website is live, and tickets are available at https://driftwoodthemusical.com.au.

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