Diftwood The Musical

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A magical story of art and creativity, survival and perseverance, family, freedom and love, and the endurance of the human spirit.

PLAYING MELBOURNE & SYDNEY

3 MAY – 18 JUNE 2023

Driftwood The Musical had an extraordinary season in Melbourne last year at Chapel Off Chapel and is now being reworked by director and acclaimed theatre-maker Gary Abrahams along with Anthony Barnhill and Jane Bodie.

This moving and enthralling story of a family surviving the ravages of war will return to Chapel Off Chapel from 3 – 20 May and will then travel to Sydney playing in three venues including Glen Street Theatre, 24 – 28 May, Riverside Theatres, 31 May – 4 June and Eternity Playhouse, 7 – 18 June.

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, 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 miraculously escaping the Holocaust and rebuilding their careers as artists in Melbourne.

This epic story covers three continents and three generations and 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. The show will be directed by acclaimed theatre-maker Gary Abrahams.

"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 singing is excellent. Based on a true story, this show has heart." The Age

"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." Theatre People

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

www.driftwoodthemusical.com.au

VENUE: Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel St, Prahran

SEASON: Wednesday 3 – Saturday 20 May

PRICES: from $39.90

BOOKINGS: https://chapeloffchapel.com.au/show/driftwood-the-musical-2/

VENUE: Glen Street Theatre, Cnr Glen St & Blackbutts Rd, Belrose

SEASON: Wednesday 24-Sunday 28 May

PRICES: All tickets $65

BOOKINGS: https://glenstreet.com.au/whats-on/driftwood-musical

VENUE: Riverside Theatres, Cnr Church & Market Sts, Parramatta