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Book: Gary Abrahams, Jane Bodie (based on Eva de Jong-Duldig’s memoir)
Music and Lyrics: Anthony Barnhill
Director: Gary Abrahams
Cast: Anton Berezin, Michaela Burger, Bridget Costello, Tania de Jong, Nelson Gardner
Images by James Terry
Theatre review
Not only did the artist Slava Horowitz-Duldig invent the foldable umbrella, she had recently given birth, when forced to flee Vienna. It was 1938, and because Slava and her husband Karl were Jewish, staying in their beloved city was no longer an option. After several years of travelling and uncertainty, they eventually became citizens of Australia, where both were able to resume their lives as artists.
The musical Driftwood is based on stories from their daughter Eva de Jong-Duldig’s memoir, with songs by Anthony Barnhill, and a book by Gary Abrahams and Jane Bodie. Thoroughly considered and delicately structured, it shares a refugee experience from the perspective of one family during that tumultuous period of persecution and portrays their healing in subsequent years. Directed by Abrahams, the work is consistently heartfelt, marked by an exquisite sensitivity. It has a tendency to feel somewhat staid and old-fashioned in style, but the authenticity it emanates is commendable. Choreography by Sophie Loughran too is traditional, but certainly skilfully accomplished.
Set design by Jacob Battista is a charming representation of the Horowitz-Duldig home, with soft curves that provide a sense of intimacy to the story-telling. Costumes by Kim Bishop imbue the characters with vivacity and an essential dignity. The palette of Harrie Hogan’s lights are surprisingly simple, but consistently warm for a show that never strays far from the sensation of melancholy. Also noteworthy are video projections by Justin Gardam, judiciously rendered to help us navigate time and space with great ease.
Performer Tania de Jong takes on the role of her real-life grandmother Slawa, with a conspicuous adoration for a generation that had to endure too much. Bridget Costello as daughter and narrator Eva is an animated presence, reliably energetic for the entirety. Michaela Burger as sister Rella, Anton Berezin as Karl, and Nelson Gardner in a variety of roles, offer excellent support adding a remarkable level of polish. Classical singing from the entire cast is a delight, with accompaniment by pianist David Gardos, violinist Michele O’Young and cellist Rachel Valentine introducing beautiful sentimentality to the staging.
It is incredible to think of the way this land has welcomed so many. It is imperative that we never forget how we came to have that privilege of making lives here, and must always honour those who are rightful custodians, and who are endlessly gracious in offering safe harbour. Great legacies often emerge from great hardship; those in need today, are likely to achieve greatness tomorrow, if only they can find a helping hand.