melbourne theatre

Globally, the name ‘Anne Frank’ is recognized either from history lessons, reading the book, seeing the movie, travelling to The Netherlands or seeing the play such as I saw tonight presented by Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company.

A theatre I had not been to before, the Lilydale Athenaeum Hall was built in 1888 and has itself a rich and interesting past, so immediately we step inside we are greeted with an ornate surrounding and red tapestry like walls depicting tales of those such as Dame Nellie Melba complete with her replica gowns. The ‘diary of a young girl’ on stage tonight has just as much power, strength and tenacity as any worthy legend.

It was my one regret when I travelled around the world that I did not visit the hiding place of Anne Frank and her family, the 17th-century canal building now known as Anne Frank House. Therefore, seeing this play, was like seeing inside what that place was like for her and her family and the people they welcomed in to stay with them in hiding in World War II. This family was nothing short of giving and kind and so were those risking their own lives who helped them.

Had it not been for a thief alerting the ‘green police’ to their hidden whereabouts, Anne’s family may have in fact survived the war. But it was only Anne’s father who came home and thereupon found Anne’s diary she had kept for their years in hiding. Having it originally published in 1947, THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK gives an accurate account of what is was like for Jewish people in that terrible time, but at the same time, it gives a message of hope in how Anne, being a young teenager, could somehow look past the doom to visualize in her mind more of what the world might offer her.

Though Anne was not fortunate enough to survive the concentration camps after they were found in hiding in a small secret annex in Anne’s father’s Amsterdam business; in her diary she left a legacy of hope and a story of tremendous courage. It would be a privileged honour to play her character and Emily Barnes-Read, 18, in her first ‘community theatre’ production after multiple school lead roles, is so exceptional here that I felt every word from her was exactly how Anne would have spoken; how Anne would have felt; how Anne would have reacted.

Anyone who has raised teenage girls I’m sure would feel the same watching this show and my heart poured out love for Anne having to also overcome those challenging years of adolescence in such a cramped space – owing even more credit to her character and resilience and a credit to Emily’s star quality in conveying Anne’s every emotion as real as possible. Good poke of the tongue too!

There are some little laughs along the way. True friends help them stay hidden and bring them food. Food creates some of the comical situations and also those much more serious. The scene in which bread is eaten without permission highlights the acting abilities of Elizabeth Van Spronsen playing Anne’s mother, Edith. She was my favourite character in this show, inconspicuous at first as many mother figures are, but bellowing by the end that she will not stand for what is not right.

Anne’s father, Otto, played by David Spencer-Gardner, would be such a difficult role and David conquers it perfectly. He needs to be firm, tender, worried, confident, but above all he is a Dad and Anne loves him. I think one of the most beautiful parts of this play is Anne’s love for her Dad and how it shows the relationship of father-daughter support. It must have been a proud day her Dad first saw the work of Anne’s diary in print, very sad, but I’m sure very proud.

The story overall is somber of course as all war stories are, even ones that end well are usually still heart-stopping. However I expected to feel a lot more sad than I did at the end and I think this was because of the Director’s and Cast’s skills to extend to the audience in part a feeling of hope; that although these eight people lived in what none of us would ever want to contemplate, there was quiet hope within those walls that kept them safe one day at a time.

When finally the sirens blare; a scene you didn’t want to come but you knew it eventually would, because you know the story, I actually shallowed my breath. Everyone was frozen in their seats. At that moment we all witnessed these actors bring the reality and gut-wrenching feeling of that situation to us. All these years later, far far away from where it factually happened, we were there, you could sense their fear, their panic, their surrender to what was now inevitable. All I could think of afterwards is that I never want that feeling to be real for me or anyone I love; the world must make peace.

When Anne’s father reads Anne’s most important words from her writings, I am positive that almost no one in the audience could have avoided feeling emotional. Anne believed mostly “people are good at heart”. So may we all apply Anne’s spirit and message to this day and always. May we forever strive to live in a better world. A world of kindness and hope. And, as my own child packs (as I write this) to soon travel overseas for the first time on her own, I pray this is the future; sooner rather than later.

Congratulations to this wonderfully talented cast and production team. I have so much respect for all your efforts from casting and costuming to set, lighting and sound – you all brought together this very important play; a thought-provoking and humbling experience. THANK YOU and WELL DONE to the expertise of Kellie Tweeddale (Director) and Angela Glennie (Production Manager).

THE AMAZING CAST:

ANNE FRANK – Emily Barnes-Read
OTTO FRANK – David Spencer-Gardner
EDITH FRANK – Elizabeth van Spronsen
MARGOT FRANK – Em Beggs
PETER VAN DAAN – Jackson Langelaan
MRS VAN DAAN – Elizabeth Matjacic
MR VAN DAAN – Mark Crowe
MR DUSSEL – Jonathan Edwards
MIEP GIES – Alexandra Carter
MR KRALER – Jason Triggs

Based on THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK Book by Albert Hackett and Frances Goodrich
Playing 3-19 July at Lilydale Athenaeum Theatre Company

Venue: 39-41 Castella Street, Lilydale. If you don’t live close to the theatre then make the time to travel, plus there’s a great restaurant GRACIOUS GRACE CAFÉ right next door which is open for dinner during theatre seasons and it is worth the trip!

Photographer: Alexandra Carter – Wanderling Photography

To book tickets to The Diary Of Anne Frank, please visit https://latc2020.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/137183.

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