Driftwood the Musical at Riverside Theatres

Umbrella Foundation is delighted to present Driftwood – The Musical. 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, Jane Bodie and Anthony Barnhill. Acclaimed Director Gary Abrahams brings a stellar cast to the stage.

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: 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.

"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. Based on a true story, this show has heart” - The Age

Director: Gary Abrahams

Music and Lyrics: Anthony Barnhill

Concept, Executive Producer: Tania de Jong AM

Sound Designer: Marcello Lo Ricco

Set Design: Jacob Battista

Sound and AV Creation and Design: Justin Gardam

Lighting Design: Harrie Hogan

Costume Design: Kim Bishop

Production Supervisor: Bec Poulter

Stage Manager: Tiff Lane

Choreographer: Sophie Loughran

CAST

Slawa: Tania de Jong AM

Karl: Anton Berezin

Eva: Bridget Costello

Rella: Michaela Burger

Ignaz, Marcel, Gauleiter, Patent Attorneys & more: Nelson Gardner