Driftwood – The Musical Premieres this May
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 after 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.
Spanning three continents and three generations, Driftwood is an epic story affirming the power of human creativity and familial bonds. 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.
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. As we recover from a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic, the themes also mirror today’s growing global dislocation, division, uncertainty, fear and isolation, increased surveillance and closed borders, as well as the loss of community and connection that threatens our social fabric and, ultimately, our humanity.
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. It features an all-Jewish cast directed by acclaimed, indigenous theatre-maker Wesley Enoch AM.
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 world premiere of Driftwood – The Musical will take place 13 May – 14 May at The Ian Potter Centre for Performing Arts at Monash University and then 18 May – 28 May at the Chapel Off Chapel. Tickets begin at $29. Visit driftwoodthemusical.com.au to learn more.