Two Remain

The first opera to portray the persecution of gays during the Holocaust, Nightingale Opera presents the Australian Premiere of Two Remain, a ground-breaking opera by renowned American composer Jake Heggie, at fortyfivedownstairs from 25 – 28 July 2024.

Two Remain brings to life the true stories of two Holocaust survivors, Gad Beck and Krystyna Zywulska. Gad Beck was a Jewish gay man who faced persecution for both his religion and sexuality. His first true love, the poet Manfred Lewin, was 19 when he and his entire family were murdered in Auschwitz.

It is estimated that more than 100,000 men and women were imprisoned for homosexuality during the Holocaust. It is not known how many thousands were killed. Beck’s story provides a deeply personal account of this often-overlooked aspect of Holocaust history.

Two Remain also portrays the story of dissident, Krystyna Zywluska. A political prisoner at Auschwitz-Birkenau, she secretly composed lyrics to inspire fellow prisoners, even as she carried out her harrowing job of cataloguing the personal effects of thousands of women and children before they were murdered.

Through Heggie’s masterful composition, the opera serves as a poignant reminder of the enduring power of love and humanity in the face of unimaginable adversity. Two Remain is presented by Nightingale Performing Arts Australia in collaboration with Nightingale Opera USA. Half of the cast is Australian and half American.

Mezzo Soprano, Cynthia Wohlschlager will be in Australia from the USA to direct the show. “Two Remain promises to be a moving and thought-provoking experience, offering audiences a unique perspective on one of history’s darkest periods through the lens of music and storytelling,” says Cynthia.

“This Australian premiere is an important cultural event, bringing Jake Heggie’s acclaimed work to local audiences for the first time.”

Director: Cynthia Skelley Wohlschlager | Conductor: John Simmons | Featuring: Lara Troyer, Melissa Davis, Linda Barcan, Karen Van Spall, Uma Dobia, Bailey Montgomerie, Eric van Baars, Maria Woolford, Sarah Amos, Victoria Knight, Taco Kuiper, Stephanie Macindoe, Alex Owens, Kate Pengelly, Ruben Fitton, Darcy Towe | Musicians: Kim Tan, Cameron Smith, Marianne Rothschild, Charlotte Jacke, Hamish Gullick, Coady Green | Lighting Design: Kris Chainey | Scenic Design: Eloise Kent | Costume Design: Melissa Davis (in collaboration with Rose Chong Costumiers) | Stage Manager: Finlay Pedler