The fall theatre performance, Diary of Anne Frank, opened on Oct. 31. The show tells the tale of the Franks and the Van Pels (referred to in the play as Van Daan) while they hid from Nazi soldiers in Germany. The actors began the show with yellow stars on their outfits, as they were committed to maintaining historical accuracy. In preparation for the show, theatre students spoke to Holocaust survivors in order to learn more about the history they were portraying.

“I think it gave the actors a whole new perspective, they learned how important it was to share the story. They have to be the voices of millions who can’t speak. After we spoke to the survivors, the play became more than the lines on the paper,” theatre sophomore Hannah Thompson said. She served as the dramaturg for the play, which means she was responsible for conducting historical research.

There was a silent auction of drawings of the Holocaust survivors near the entrance of Meyer Hall. They were drawn by visual sophomores Eloise Janssen and Mitchell Del Mastro.

“I just wanted to get as many art areas involved,” theatre teacher and director Brad Barfield said.

Some of the actors felt that their characters not only inspired a generation, but themselves personally.

“She’s very hopeful and I think it’s important to incorporate that hope in life, especially during the Holocaust.” sophomore theatre major Sarah Linares, who played Anne Frank.

Since the play was adapted from a novel of the same name, the students had to find ways to accurately portray the novel’s elements. In the instances when Anne would pen her thoughts, Linares would deliver a monologue to the audience. Learning to build and perform in the annex, a suspended stage area meant to resemble an attic, was a new experience for the actors.

“We practiced rehearsing in really small spaces because the set is very enclosed, which is how it was in the annex. You have to be spatially aware so you don’t block anyone’s way,” theatre junior Jack Moriarity, who played Mr. Van Daan, said.

“I’ve never built a second story before so it’s a fun way to figure out how to build new scenery,” theatre junior Logan Lower said.
The opening night performance was sponsored by the Jewish Federation of the Palm Beaches. For both the actors and those of Jewish descent, the performance was a creative way to honor the story of Anne Frank.

“I first pictured how it would be in my head, and seeing it on stage is really a dream come true.” theatre sophomore and assistant director Lucie “Rhodes” Evans said.