The Happiest Man on Earth
The Happiest Man on Earth
Sydney Opera House
May 12 - 17, 2026
This “tour de force” one-man play brings the New York Times Best-selling autobiography of Eddie Jaku’s remarkable story to life. Over 1.5 million copies of the book have been sold in 37 languages.
Born Abraham Jakubowicz in Germany in 1920, Eddie Jaku’s life was irrevocably altered on 9 November 1938, Kristallnacht, when he was brutally beaten, arrested, and imprisoned for being Jewish.
During World War II, he survived imprisonment in Buchenwald and Auschwitz, endured a death march, escaped, and was eventually rescued by Allied soldiers in 1945.
The Nazis took everything from Eddie — his family, his friends, and his country — but they did not take his spirit. Eddie went on to dedicate his life to sharing his story, educating future generations, and championing kindness, tolerance, and compassion.
“Happiness… is a choice.” — Eddie Jaku
This timely and deeply affecting new production is a testament to the endurance of the human spirit and a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to remember, to bear witness, and to choose humanity over hatred.
Highlight Video 1
“A one-man play utterly captivating in content and form...superb acting”
Stage Whispers
"Remarkable"
Australian Arts Review
"Deeply moving"
Megaphone Oz
"Powerful, moving, haunting"
City Hub
"Berezins displayed raw and visceral emotion"
MusicalTheatre.au
"Anton Berezin plays Jaku with verve, compassion, and a decent dose of cheek"
Theatre Thoughts
"Anton Berezin does a stellar job of portraying Jaku"
On The House
"Poignant and astute direction from Theresa Borg"
Sydney Arts Guide
"The standing ovation greeting Berezin's curtain call was both sincere and well-deserved"
Sydney Morning Herald
Written by Mark St. Germain Adapted from the memoir of the same name by Eddie Jaku
Starring Anton Berezin
Directed by Therèsa Borg
Design by Sophie Woodward & Jacob Battista
Lighting by Finnegan Comte-Harvey
Composed by Sam Weiss
Sydney Opera House
May 12 - 17, 2026
This “tour de force” one-man play brings the New York Times Best-selling autobiography of Eddie Jaku’s remarkable story to life. Over 1.5 million copies of the book have been sold in 37 languages.
Born Abraham Jakubowicz in Germany in 1920, Eddie Jaku’s life was irrevocably altered on 9 November 1938, Kristallnacht, when he was brutally beaten, arrested, and imprisoned for being Jewish.
During World War II, he survived imprisonment in Buchenwald and Auschwitz, endured a death march, escaped, and was eventually rescued by Allied soldiers in 1945.
The Nazis took everything from Eddie — his family, his friends, and his country — but they did not take his spirit. Eddie went on to dedicate his life to sharing his story, educating future generations, and championing kindness, tolerance, and compassion.
“Happiness… is a choice.” — Eddie Jaku
This timely and deeply affecting new production is a testament to the endurance of the human spirit and a powerful reminder of our shared responsibility to remember, to bear witness, and to choose humanity over hatred.
Highlight Video 1
“A one-man play utterly captivating in content and form...superb acting”
Stage Whispers
"Remarkable"
Australian Arts Review
"Deeply moving"
Megaphone Oz
"Powerful, moving, haunting"
City Hub
"Berezins displayed raw and visceral emotion"
MusicalTheatre.au
"Anton Berezin plays Jaku with verve, compassion, and a decent dose of cheek"
Theatre Thoughts
"Anton Berezin does a stellar job of portraying Jaku"
On The House
"Poignant and astute direction from Theresa Borg"
Sydney Arts Guide
"The standing ovation greeting Berezin's curtain call was both sincere and well-deserved"
Sydney Morning Herald
Written by Mark St. Germain Adapted from the memoir of the same name by Eddie Jaku
Starring Anton Berezin
Directed by Therèsa Borg
Design by Sophie Woodward & Jacob Battista
Lighting by Finnegan Comte-Harvey
Composed by Sam Weiss