A Melbourne theatre review by Alex First
Heinz Lewin, born in Wiesbaden, Germany on 22nd March 1888, was one of the many artists and composers whose lives were tragically cut short by the Holocaust.
In his case, the 54-year-old Jew perished in the gas chambers at Auschwitz in September 1942.
Assuming a German accent and in costume, writer and Melbourne personality Zeddy Lawrence unravels his life and music with the help of gifted pianist Tomi Kalinski.
Lawrence, who is Lewin’s great-grandson, shares stories about Lewin’s heritage, achievements and desperation, as the Nazis invade Europe.
He was subsequently interned in a labour camp for two years, before being bundled onto a train and transported to his death.
The family business – cigarette manufacture – was most successful, but Lewin was not interested in making that his life’s work.
His aptitude for music was recognised early.
Lewin married Jenni Trabsky, originally from the Ukraine, and the pair had a son named Ralph, but the marriage didn’t last.
Ralph survived the Holocaust by fleeing to Britain. Sadly, Jenni did not. Like Heinz, she too was slaughtered in a death camp.
Resplendent with compelling anecdotes, Zeddy has crafted a compelling tale of perseverance and heartbreak.
Lawrence’s tales about his great-grandfather are not delivered in linear fashion.
As for the music he so adroitly composed, it is most attractive and now, 84 years after it was last heard, it resonates anew.
For future performances, go to https://zedwords.au/morgenplay/