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An epic story of love, courage, survival... and foldable umbrellas.
Umbrella Foundation is delighted to present Driftwood – The Musical. This epic story 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 and arrangements by Anthony Barnhill with lyrics by Tania de Jong AM, Jane Bodie and Anthony Barnhill. Acclaimed Director Gary Abrahams brings a stellar cast to the stage.
Driftwood – The Musical 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: miraculously escaping the Holocaust and rebuilding their careers as artists in Melbourne. A magical story of art and creativity, survival and perseverance, family, freedom and love.
Simon Parris, Man in Chair
"Lovingly staged and movingly told, new Australian musical Driftwood the Musical is as inspiring as it is involving. Driftwood the Musical is an intricately woven piece of musical theatre, seamlessly segueing from charming comedy to moving pathos with lovely music woven into almost every moment. Original Australian musicals are all too rare and the invocation to support them often draws on some sort of sense of duty. No need for such a plea here, given that Driftwood the Musical is such a strong piece of theatre in its own right"
Cameron Woodhead, The Age
"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"
Stephanie Johnson, Australian Stage
"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"
ArtsHub
"Driftwood is an uplifting story of immigration, adversity, and the need for roots. This is a production that’s compelling for the charm of its drama and relationships and its thoughtful dramatisation of a particular period in time. Second generation survivor literature is a powerful movement within Holocaust remembrance and the combined memoir musical tells an important story in a stylish way"
Accessibility
Additional Ticketing Information
$6.95 Transaction Fee applies.
The authorised ticket agency for this event is Riverside Theatres.
Only tickets purchased by authorised agencies should be considered reliable. If you purchase tickets from a non-authorised agency, you risk that these tickets are fake, void, or have previously been cancelled. Resale restriction applies.
Prices are correct at the time of publication and subject to change without notice. Exact prices will be displayed with seat selection. Children aged 0-18 months at the time of a performance may be seated on an adult’s lap free of charge. A valid ticket is required for all children over 18 months.
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