An actor-musician adaptation of Wladyslaw Szpilman’s wartime memoir, known for inspiring Roman Polanski’s acclaimed film, has premiered under the direction of Thom Southerland. The production, staged at an intimate venue, offers a theatrical interpretation that emphasizes Szpilman’s own musical legacy alongside his harrowing experiences during the Holocaust.

Szpilman, a Polish composer and staff member at the state radio station, endured the Warsaw ghetto’s brutality before returning to the station after the war. The new adaptation integrates a selection of his compositions—including orchestral pieces, theatrical music, and popular songs—into the narrative. Central to the production is a baby grand piano, performed live by musical director Malcolm Forbes-Peckham. Meanwhile, actor Daniel Krikler embodies Szpilman, guiding the audience through episodes of persecution and survival.

The performance features a carefully crafted set and video design by Andrzej Goulding, which uses heavy wooden slats to evoke various settings, including the radio studio, the confining walls of the ghetto, and the railway cars used to deport Szpilman’s family. Supporting roles are filled by Rosalind Ford and TJ Holmes as Szpilman’s parents, with Nitai Levi portraying his brother Henryk. Simon Lee’s chamber arrangements accompany the cast, providing a musical framework that highlights moments of tension and tenderness.

Throughout the production, Szpilman emerges as a complex figure—portrayed as drifting between hiding places, uncertain yet resilient. His music serves as a touchstone for memory and hope, particularly in the second act following the loss of his family. The score includes notable pieces such as the Chopin nocturne that Szpilman played as Polish radio ceased broadcasting in 1939, alongside selections from more modern works and subtle love songs.

Lighting designer Robbie Butler enhances the atmospheric tone, transforming the stage into a spectral representation of wartime Warsaw. A technical issue during the press night performance briefly interrupted the show, but Krikler managed the situation seamlessly, maintaining the production’s emotional trajectory.

This adaptation of The Pianist has been recognized for its ability to provide fresh insight into Szpilman’s story by blending dramatic narrative with live music, reinforcing the enduring power of art amid adversity.