Driftwood - The Musical
An epic story of love, courage, survival... and foldable umbrellas.
Umbrella Events in association with Creative Universe is delighted to present the world premiere of 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 and Jane Bodie. Starring an all-Jewish cast, directed by acclaimed, indigenous theatre-maker Wesley Enoch AM.
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.
Feedback/Comments
Beautiful, moving master piece. Highly recommended
Great production, beautiful voices, touching sad story.
What an amazing true life story made into a very moving musical
It was an excellent show describing one familiy's journey to leave Nazi Europe.
Recommend this to all students studying World War 11 history. Gives a very personal perpective to this period of history. Loved the intimate details of a family life thrown into chaos. Great musical score
lovely story
Excellent moving performance!
Absolutely beautiful show! What a treat true story! What a great musical! Very touching! Strongly recommended!
Very touching story and outstanding performance.
I loved it!
Their performance was stellar especially as it was opening night.
Strong characters, beautiful voices, a simple yet complex set, and a musical trio (a little too loud at times) helping to bring this amazing story to life.
So glad you shared this story. For me, it was a rollercoaster of emotions and greatly appreciated.
Sorry I missed the after-party, I thought it was a closed event but I would have loved to have met the team who created and performed.
Definitely worth seeing.
Well told story of a Jewish family surviving very sad and difficult times. Loved the singing and music.
Excellent musical, hope it will be shown in many Australian cities and overseas as well
A touching and well crafted creation that I thoroughly enjoyed.
Congratulations to all the cast and crew for a fabulous, creative production. We were emotionally connected to all the characters from the very beginning. It is truly a story worth sharing with the world. Do yourself a favour and go and see it.
Very moving performance. Outstanding musical. First part was better than the second part. Music a little bit too loud sometimes, which made it hard to hear the actors. We loved it and would highly recommend this musical.
What a wonderful show. The story of the Duldig family draws you in with the intensity and emotion of the family trying to escape the war in Europe. The narration style used worked perfectly to keep the story flowing and the hard working actors really brought it to life. The three piece band was the perfect accompaniment to the piece. A new Australian musical which truly deserves the support and accolades it will receive.
A relatable story and a performance with a heart. Thoroughly enjoyed!
An incredibly touching true story brought to the stage, delivered by an outstanding and talented cast and crew.
I really enjoy the musical. The actors were amazing. The play touched my soul and I had tears in my eyes. What a story ! Definitely would recommend to see this production !
I really enjoyed this original and true story of the Duldig family and what they went through
Well acted & very fascinating true story !
Enjoyable.
Attending the world premiere of Driftwood was an absolute honor!! The story unfolds beautifully in a simplistic, easy to follow narration by 'Eva', taking us through a period of happiness pre war and then through the trials of being a Jew in Europe during the war. The first Act was exceptional with great timing, a fabulous intro to the story and leaving us wanting more.
The second act was good and finished the story well but slightly missed the feeling of being involved in the story that the first act offered.
A simplistic set worked beautifully with the minimal band (piano, cello and violin) providing the perfect musical background to the thoughtful lyric.
I recommend you do yourself a favor and see this great Aussie piece!!
4/5 stars.
Inspiring and sensitive, a heartwarming experience.