Driftwood The Musical

Driftwood – The Musical 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 the exceptionally talented Anthony Barnhill with Lyrics by Tania de Jong AM and Jane Bodie. It will be directed by the acclaimed indigenous theatre maker Wesley Enoch AM and features an all-Jewish cast. Tania de Jong will be playing the role of her grandmother Slawa Duldig who invented the foldable umbrella! For further information, please visit the Driftwood website.

The world premiere performances of this work will take place between 13-29 May 2022 at Alexander Theatre, Monash University and Chapel Off Chapel in Prahran.

Tickets for the general public and schools are on sale now. If you wish to reserve a group booking, please feel free to reach out to the venues or tania@taniadejong.com.au

Duration: 120 minutes (including 20-minute interval)

Driftwood – The Musical is a theatrical adaptation of Eva de Jong-Duldig’s critically acclaimed memoir, which tells the inspirational story of the renowned Austrian/Australian sculptor Karl Duldig and his artist/inventor wife, Slawa Horowitz-Duldig. The story takes in their romantic and artistic lives in pre-war Vienna and Slawa’s ingenious invention of the foldable umbrella. It follows the couple as they rebuild their lives as artists in Melbourne, but tragically almost all their relatives have died in the Holocaust.

Driftwood is a story of art and creativity, survival and perseverance, family and love. This is a piece of theatre about the resilience found through creativity and in the face of adversity. It is a story of survival and the endurance of the human spirit. It is also about displacement and finding solace and strength in family, art and community. While it is the story of the love between Karl and Slawa, two Viennese artists, it is also the story of one woman’s ingenuity, invention and adaptability.

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 presented by Umbrella Productions and Events which is a registered charity committed to telling stories that matter through the innovative use of music, theatre and other artforms. All donations are fully tax-deductible.

Please do reach out and let us know any questions. Would you also please be so kind as to share this widely and encourage your wider communities and networks to attend this incredible new Australian work in its world premiere season in Melbourne?

We are excited to co-create with you to bring this important global story to the stage in Melbourne and then to the nation and the world.

We are very grateful for your support. Looking forward to seeing you at the show!

---

Season Details

Venue: Alexander Theatre, Monash University
Date: 13 – 14 May 2022

Venue: Chapel Off Chapel| Prahran
Date: 18 -28 May 2022

For more information click HERE