IRT uses the power of art to keep history alive with The Diary of Anne Frank

IRT uses the power of art to keep history alive with The Diary of Anne Frank
Cross-country co-production seeks to educate, encourage reflection on humanity

Indianapolis, Ind.—In an ongoing time of division and struggle across the country, the Indiana Repertory Theatre highlights the power and connection between art, history and current events through the production of The Diary of Anne Frank, presented by Glick Philanthropies. Directed by the IRT’s Executive Artistic Director Janet Allen, this poignant and relevant play will run from January 25 – February 24 on the OneAmerica Mainstage.

The IRT previously produced The Diary of Anne Frank in 2011 as part of its main season, but this year it is specifically part of the youth-serving series. With this focus, the IRT will welcome close to 10,000 students from across the state–some of whom may have little knowledge of the realities of the Holocaust–to experience this moving, important and historical story. In addition to supporting education on this topic, there is also the hope that producing this play again in today’s climate will help bring about awareness and change regarding renewed religious persecution in our own time.

“We are producing this show again–and at this time–because we believe art can change lives,” Allen said. “For those who may believe that the Holocaust is a waning historical moment, rather than a frighteningly vivid and recurring symptom of humanity’s worst attributes, we hope this production can bring understanding and awakening.”

Throughout the run, the IRT will offer additional programming in partnership with local organizations, including Glick Philanthropies, the Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council, and the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis. In addition to post-show discussions and a Sensory Friendly performance, the IRT will host its fifth annual Community Night. On January 27, International Holocaust Remembrance Day, there will be a post-show candle lighting with leaders of different marginalized Indianapolis communities and readings from Anne Frank’s writings.

The Diary of Anne Frank is done as a co-production with Seattle Children’s Theatre, whose Artistic Director Courtney Sale is a former Associate Artistic Director at the IRT. The production will be built, designed, directed and performed at the IRT before heading to Seattle, where modifications will be made to fit the new space.  The show features five local Indianapolis actors and five Seattle-based actors who will travel and share this story both across the country and in their own communities.

“Anne Frank’s diary, like the play, isn’t about hate. It’s about a young teenager coming of age in a tragic and hateful time, but who is overwhelmingly caught up in living,” Allen said. “Therein lies the power of her story.”

Tickets for Glick Philanthropies presents The Diary of Anne Frank at the IRT are available now!  

DETAILS

WHERE: Indiana Repertory Theatre, 140 W Washington Street, OneAmerica Mainstage

RUN DATES:  January 25 – February 24, various times. The Diary of Anne Frank is approximately 2 hours and 45 minutes and includes one 15-minute intermission. Tickets and performance schedule available at IRTlive.com. 

TICKETS: Tickets start at $25. Click to buy.

CAST & CREATIVE TEAM:

SYDNEY ANDREWS | Miep Gies
RYAN ARTZBERGER | Otto Frank
RYAN P. CLAUS | Second Man
MARK GOETZINGER | Mr. Kraler
MICHAEL HOSP | First Man
ROB JOHANSEN | Mr. Dussel
BENJAMIN LUDIKER | Peter Van Daan
CONSTANCE MACY | Mrs. Van Daan
ROBERT NEAL | Mr. Van Daan
HANNAH RUWE | Margot Frank
BETSY SCHWARTZ | Edith Frank
ZACHARIAH STONEROCK | Third Man
MIRANDA TROUTT | Anne Frank

JANET ALLEN | Director
BILL CLARKE | Scenic Design
YAO CHEN | Costume Design
ANDREW D. SMITH | Lighting Design
ANDREW HOPSON | Sound Design/Composition
RABBI BRETT KRICHIVER | Guest Dramaturg

SPECIAL EVENTS:

ANNE FRANK: A HISTORY FOR TODAY
Friday, January 25, 2019 – Sunday, February 24, 2019 | Ongoing Lobby Exhibit
Anne Frank: A History for Today presents the history of the Holocaust through the perspective of Anne Frank and her family. Juxtaposing photographs of the Frank family with historical images, the exhibit shows how persecuted people such as the Franks were affected by the political actions of individuals. On display in the Grand Lobby throughout the run of the production, the exhibit is provided by The Anne Frank Center for Mutual Respect and supported by the Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council.  

OPENING NIGHT
Friday, January 25, 2019 | Performance at 7:30 PM
Raise a glass and salute the cast at IRT’s Opening Night! After the show, the marquee lights shine bright as you’re treated to a champagne toast and hors d'oeuvres, and invited to a one-time-only chance to explore the set with IRT Artisans. 

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Sunday, January 27, 2019 | Performance at 2 PM
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

COMMUNITY NIGHT
Sunday, January 27, 2019 | Performance at 6 PM
The Indiana Repertory Theatre’s fifth annual Community Night will celebrate The Diary of Anne Frank, presented by Glick Philanthropies, on International Holocaust Remembrance Day. Through a partnership with the Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council and the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis, there will be a post-show candle lighting ceremony that will feature representatives from a variety of marginalized Indianapolis communities as well as readings from Anne Frank’s writing. IRT’s Community Night encourages patrons to pay what they choose to enjoy a night of top-quality and thought provoking live theatre. Community Night suggested ticket pricing starts at $10. Patrons who wish to purchase tickets for Community Night can do so by calling the Ticket Office at 317.635.5252 beginning January 21.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Friday, February 1, 2019 | Performance at 7:30 PM
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

SENSORY FRIENDLY PERFORMANCE
Saturday, February 2, 2019 | Performance at 2 PM
Sensory Friendly performances are designed to create a welcoming experience for all, including those with autism or other sensory sensitivities. Elements of this performance may be adapted to ensure the comfort of all of our audience members.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Saturday, February 2, 2019 | Performance at 2 PM
Please join a special community conversation immediately following this performance. The Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council along with the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis will be creating panels for thoughtful discussion related to the themes of The Diary of Anne Frank. We thank Glick Philanthropies for their support in making these community conversations possible.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Saturday, February 2, 2019  |  Performance at 7 PM
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Friday, February 8, 2019  |  Performance at 7:30 PM
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Saturday, February 9, 2019 | Performance at 2 PM
Please join a special community conversation immediately following this performance. The Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council along with the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis will be creating panels for thoughtful discussion related to the themes of The Diary of Anne Frank. We thank Glick Philanthropies for their support in making these community conversations possible.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Saturday, February 9, 2019  |  Performance at 7 PM
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Saturday, February 16, 2019 | Performance at 2 PM
Please join a special community conversation immediately following this performance. The Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council along with the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis will be creating panels for thoughtful discussion related to the themes of The Diary of Anne Frank. We thank Glick Philanthropies for their support in making these community conversations possible.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Saturday, February 16, 2019  |  Performance at 7 PM
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

ASL/AD PERFORMANCE
Sunday, February 17, 2019 | Performance at 2 PM
The IRT offers ASL/AD services to our patrons with vision and hearing needs. Patrons with hearing needs are encouraged to sit in the interpretation zone and meet with the interpreter before the show. We also offer Assisted Listening Devices free of charge at each performance. To learn more visit irtlive.com/accessibility.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Sunday, February 17, 2019 | Performance at 2 PM
Please join a special community conversation immediately following this performance. The Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council along with the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis will be creating panels for thoughtful discussion related to the themes of The Diary of Anne Frank. We thank Glick Philanthropies for their support in making these community conversations possible.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Sunday, February 17, 2019  |  Performance at 6 PM
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Friday, February 22, 2019  |  Performance at 7:30 PM
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Saturday, February 23, 2019 | Performance at 2 PM
Please join a special community conversation immediately following this performance. The Indianapolis Jewish Community Relations Council along with the Jewish Federation of Greater Indianapolis will be creating panels for thoughtful discussion related to the themes of The Diary of Anne Frank. We thank Glick Philanthropies for their support in making these community conversations possible.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION
Saturday, February 23, 2019  |  Performance at 7 PM
Join IRT staff and cast immediately after the performance for a post-show discussion that covers a variety of interesting topics related to the show. Post-show discussions typically last for 20 minutes.

POST-SHOW DISCUSSION with RABBI BRETT KRICHIVER
Sunday, February 24, 2019  |  Performance at 2 PM
Please join a special post-show discussion immediately following this performance with Rabbi Brett Krichiver and members of The Diary of Anne Frank cast. We thank Glick Philanthropies for their support in making these community conversations possible.

---