Umbrella Foundation is delighted to present Driftwood The Musical , which 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.
Based on the original memoir by Eva de Jong-Duldig this epic story traverses three continents and three generations. Acclaimed Director Gary Abrahams brings a stellar cast to the stage with original music, lyrics and arrangements by Anthony Barnhill with additional lyrics by Tania de Jong AM and Jane Bodie. Driftwood The Musical is based on an original stage play by award-winning playwright Jane Bodie.
Driftwood The Musical had an extraordinary sell-out season in Melbourne in 2022 at Chapel Off Chapel with venue manager, Cate Crowley saying “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.”
Driftwood The Musical will be returning to Chapel Off Chapel from 3 – 20 May (by popular demand after last year’s sell-out season) and then touring to Sydney as follows:
- Glen Street Theatre from 24 – 28 May
- Riverside Theatres, Parramatta from 31 May – 4 June
- Eternity Playhouse 7 – 18 June
Tickets are NOW on sale.
There are discounts available to groups and secondary schools. (Driftwood was selected for the 2022 VCE Drama and Theatre Studies Playlist.)
Watch our performance highlights video (3 mins) from Driftwood The Musical here
The event website is live, and tickets are available at https://driftwoodthemusical.com.au
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.
Umbrella Foundation
The Umbrella Foundation is a registered charity committed to telling stories that matter through the innovative use of music, theatre and other artforms.
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Eva de Jong-Duldig’s memoir Driftwood, special limited edition “EVA” umbrellas, and more merchandise will be available to purchase at all performances.
Find out more about this remarkable story by visiting the Duldig Studio + Museum and Sculpture Garden.
The Duldig Studio is an accredited house museum and the former home of the internationally acclaimed sculptor Karl Duldig and his wife, artist and inventor Slawa Horowitz-Duldig. View the current exhibition, be guided through the heritage rooms, and hear the many remarkable stories.
