Merging arts, community, and acceptance: The Flowertown Players is proud to produce The Diary of Anne Frank by Wendy Kesselman, directed by Josh Bates (The Crucible), featuring an international exhibition, “Reading and Writing with Anne Frank” and special talkbacks with Holocaust survivors Sept. 24 – Oct. 6.

 

THE PLAY 

“I want to go on living even after my death!” The classic story receives a new adaptation by Wendy Kesselman in The Diary of Anne Frank. Based on survivor testimonies and rediscovered writings from her diary, Anne Frank emerges from history a living, breathing woman, one constantly grappling with her changing life and the horror that lurks outside her door. As her group of eight hides from the Gestapo, The Diary of Anne Frank offers an unflinching look at their confined existence and all that comes with it. This is a new version for a new generation, an impassioned testimony to the resilience and fragility of the human spirit in the face of overwhelming darkness.

 

“Undeniably moving. It shatters the heart. The evening never lets us forget the inhuman darkness waiting to claim its incandescently human heroine.” ~ Ben Brantley, The New York Times

 

“Kesselman’s script honors Anne by restoring to the stage the fullness of her thoughts... It’s Anne’s diary. She is why the people in this attic have come to represent so many millions, why their story has survived, and why it remains so extraordinary in the telling.” ~ Chris Jones, The Chicago Tribune

 

The show is Rated: FTP-14 for mature content and violence. Produced by special arrangement with Dramatists Play Service, Inc.

 

THE PARTNERSHIP

How does one connect to Anne Frank? We live in another time yet discrimination is still present all around us. People exclude others based on who they are, who they think they are, and what they look like. For audiences to better connect to Anne’s story, we are proud to partner with The Jewish Federation of Charleston who will be providing special guest talkbacks with survivors of the Holocaust and The Anne Frank Partnership of the University of South Carolina College of Education who will be displaying their traveling exhibition on Anne’s writing, “Reading and Writing with Anne Frank.”

 

The Jewish Federation of Charleston joins us Sept. 29 and Oct. 6 after our 3pm matinee performances with local Holocaust survivors for a true look at one of history’s most devastating times and brings along lessons on tolerance and human resilience.

 

The Anne Frank Partnership of the University of South Carolina College of Education brings to life Anne’s writings in large paneled display in our Studio space. In their internationally recognized exhibition, audiences can submerse themselves in Anne Frank’s writing and learn how to be advocates for acceptance and love. The exhibit is self-guided but tour guides are available on Saturdays. The exhibit will be open during box office hours (Wednesday – Saturday 12pm – 6pm) and after performances from Sept. 25 – Oct. 6.

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ACCESSIBILITY

The Flowertown Players commitment to accessibility continues with ASL nights for each show. The ASL night for the deaf/hearing impaired will be October 3, 2019 @ 8pm.

 

SCHOOL PERFORMANCES

Limited school performances will be October 1 & 2 @ 9:30am & 12pm. School shows are available to public, private and homeschool groups. Space is limited and must be reserved in advance of show day. Contact ed@flowertownplayers.org to reserve. 

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