URGENT UPDATE: The Australian premiere of The Happiest Man on Earth, the powerful life story of Holocaust survivor Eddie Jaku OAM, will grace the iconic Sydney Opera House from May 12-17. This stage adaptation, crafted by renowned playwright Mark St Germain and starring Anton Berezin, promises to captivate audiences with its poignant messages of resilience and hope.
The production arrives at a time when the themes of gratitude and kindness are more crucial than ever, especially following the recent surge in antisemitic incidents. Rabbi Alon Meltzer of Shalom Collective emphasized the timeliness of this theatrical piece, stating, “Eddie was a local hero… the importance of learning about the Holocaust is a message the world has always needed to hear.”
Born Abraham Jakubowicz in Germany in 1920, Jaku’s life was irrevocably altered during the horrors of Kristallnacht when he faced brutal persecution for being Jewish. His journey through the harrowing realities of Buchenwald and Auschwitz led him to become a beacon of hope and education in Australia, where he shared his experiences with countless students and community members.
Jaku’s memoir, The Happiest Man on Earth, was penned in his late 90s, after years of silence. It quickly gained international acclaim. Jaku believed that his story was not just about survival, but about teaching future generations the importance of compassion. “Happiness is a choice,” he famously declared, a mantra that resonates throughout the stage adaptation.
With his passing in 2021, Eddie Jaku’s messages endure, reminding us to love openly and reject hatred. His final reflections urge us to maintain awareness of the dangers of prejudice and to foster a spirit of empathy.
As the production prepares to open, it promises to celebrate Jaku’s legacy and inspire audiences to reflect on their own choices in the face of adversity. Tickets are available now at sydneyoperahouse.com.
Don’t miss this chance to witness a remarkable story that transcends generations and fosters a dialogue about humanity, resilience, and the power of choice.
