Driftwood the Musical Opens May 3

Driftwood the Musical

Chapel Off Chapel from 3 – 20 May

Driftwood The Musical had a very successful season last year at Melbourne’s Chapel Off Chapel and on the strength of that is returning there from 3 to 20 May. The show will then travel to Sydney playing in three venues Glen Street Theatre, 24 to 28 May, Riverside Theatres, 31 May to 4 June and Eternity Playhouse, 7 to 18 June.

Driftwood The Musical tells the inspirational story of renowned Austrian/ Australian sculptor Karl Duldig and his artist-inventor wife, Slawa Horowitz-Duldig. We follow their lives in pre-war Vienna, the family’s narrow escape from Nazi Austria, Slawa’s ingenious invention of the foldable umbrella, and the incredible chain of events that took place after escaping the Holocaust and rebuilding their careers as artists in Melbourne.

This epic story traverses three continents and three generations and is based on an original stage play by award-winning playwright Jane Bodie developed from the original memoir Driftwood – Escape and Survival Through Artby Eva de Jong-Duldig. The show features music and lyrics by Anthony Barnhill with additional lyrics by Jane Bodie and Tania de Jong AM. A stellar cast is directed by Gary Abrahams.

Driftwood The Musical has been nominated for a 2022 Green Room Award for ‘New Australian Music Theatre Writing’.

The Producers of Driftwood The Musical have announced the production will head to New York later this year to explore its potential in the heartland of musical theatre.

“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 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

“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. The singing is excellent. Based on a true story, this show has heart.” Cameron Woodhead, The Age

“…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 dramatization of a particular period in time.” Arts Hub

“Quite meta in its execution, this is a show prepared to take risks and challenge theatrical conventions head on.” Nick Pilgrim, Theatre People.

“A home-grown Holocaust musical is a rarity on the Melbourne stage…” Jewish News