OBSERVER: After The Flood
A major new work of Australian Jewish theatre comes to Melbourne in November, starring singer, songwriter and performer Deborah Conway (Naama) and musician Simon Starr (Noah) from November 4-9.
After the Flood is an original contemporary musical that reimagines the biblical story of Noah and the flood through one Melbourne Jewish family confronting a world that can no longer be recovered.
As the waters approach, old wounds rise to the surface. A family gathered around a Shabbat table must confront questions of faith, inheritance, grief and love — and decide what they will carry with them into whatever comes next.
With music and lyrics by Melbourne composer and theatre-maker Ari Jacob and book by Jacob and Josh Gurgiel, After the Flood brings together an all-Jewish cast and creative team for an ambitious new work of Australian musical theatre.
At its heart, After the Flood is said to be a story about mourning: “mourning the people, places and worlds we have lost, while facing the possibility that something new might emerge from their ruins”.
Jacob’s score will be performed live by a 10-piece band. It includes traditional oud and kamancheh played by two Iranian musicians Jacob connected with during the recent war — bringing sounds and musical influences from across the region into the production.
The production is directed by Rebecca Skovron, with movement direction by Yakira Abraham and musical direction by Adam Starr. Together with Jacob and co-writer Josh Gurgiel, they lead a wider creative team of Jewish Australian artists working across theatre, music, movement, design and production.
Deborah Conway remarked: “I am fortunate that I have been presented the opportunity to play in these themes, a sweet, idyllic calm in amongst the tempestuous times.”
The strictly limited season runs for six performances from November 4–9 in Melbourne. Venue details will be provided to ticket holders 24 hours before each performance.
For further information and tickets: afterthefloodmusical.com
Cheryl Threadgold
Pictured: Deborah Conway and Simon Starr in After the Flood.