A musical story of love, courage, survival... and foldable umbrellas
2023 AUSTRALIAN SEASON IS OVER
READ THE REVIEWS
Umbrella Foundation is delighted to present Driftwood The Musical – based on Eva de Jong-Duldig‘s memoir and an original stage play by award-winning playwright Jane Bodie, directed by acclaimed theatre maker Gary Abrahams. The show features original music and lyrics by Anthony Barnhill.
Driftwood The Musical tells the inspirational true story of the renowned Austrian/Australian sculptor Karl Duldig and his artist/inventor wife, Slawa Horowitz-Duldig.
A magical story of art and creativity, survival and perseverance, family, freedom and love.
Starring Tania de Jong AM, Anton Berezin, Bridget Costello, Michaela Burger and Nelson Gardner.
Reviews of Driftwood The Musical 2022 Production
“Quite meta in its execution, this is a show prepared to take risks and challenge theatrical conventions.” Theatre People
“There is a lot to love about this production and I do not think I can fault it. I am always captivated by theatre that is based on true stories and history, and Driftwood is certainly one of them.” Lilithia Reviews
“Congratulations – it was wonderful! As a first generation Australian and a grandson of Jewish Hungarian migrants there was so much of your family’s story that resonated with me on a deeply personal level. Thank you for bringing such an important story like this to the stage.” Andrew Gyopar Presents
Driftwood The Musical is 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 world premiere production is set to take the world by storm. 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. Director Gary Abrahams keeps the story’s emotional core vivid and convincing and Anthony Barnhill’s score suits the material well. The singing is excellent. Based on a true story, this show has heart.” Cameron Woodhead, The Age
“Driftwood The Musical was one of the most successful new Australian works we have ever seen here at Chapel in our 27 year history. Houses were full and audiences were absolutely thrilled and heartened to see an original story so beautifully portrayed. An outstanding creative team including national talents Anthony Barnhill, Tania de Jong and Gary Abrahams brought this extraordinary true story of renowned Stonnington local Eva de Jong-Duldig to life. Driftwood is living proof that our audiences have a large appetite for new, original, Australian music theatre.” Cate Crowley, Chapel Off Chapel
“Quite meta in its execution, this is a show prepared to take risks and challenge theatrical conventions.” Theatre People
“There is a lot to love about this production and I do not think I can fault it. I am always captivated by theatre that is based on true stories and history, and Driftwood is certainly one of them.” Lilithia Reviews
“Congratulations – it was wonderful! As a first generation Australian and a grandson of Jewish Hungarian migrants there was so much of your family’s story that resonated with me on a deeply personal level. Thank you for bringing such an important story like this to the stage.” Andrew Gyopar Presents
Driftwood The Musical is 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 world premiere production is set to take the world by storm. 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. Director Gary Abrahams keeps the story’s emotional core vivid and convincing and Anthony Barnhill’s score suits the material well. The singing is excellent. Based on a true story, this show has heart.” Cameron Woodhead, The Age
“Driftwood The Musical was one of the most successful new Australian works we have ever seen here at Chapel in our 27 year history. Houses were full and audiences were absolutely thrilled and heartened to see an original story so beautifully portrayed. An outstanding creative team including national talents Anthony Barnhill, Tania de Jong and Gary Abrahams brought this extraordinary true story of renowned Stonnington local Eva de Jong-Duldig to life. Driftwood is living proof that our audiences have a large appetite for new, original, Australian music theatre.” Cate Crowley, Chapel Off Chapel
Melbourne, Sydney… next stop New York!
Following a sold-out season in 2022, Driftwood The Musical is heading to New York!
Book Now for Melbourne and Sydney seasons opening May 2023. This is your last chance to see Driftwood The Musical before it heads to New York.
Book Now! Don’t Miss Out!
Listen to a preview of The Prayer recorded by ABC Radio National
Recorded by Brendan O’Neill for ABC Radio Nationals The Stage Show
Driftwood Highlights - 2023 Melbourne Season
Melbourne 2023 Highlights
Melbourne Opening Night Reviews
Highlights - Photos
Subscribe to Driftwood The Musical's Email Newsletter
The Umbrella Foundation is a registered charity committed to telling stories that matter through the innovative use of music, theatre and other artforms.
