South Dakota State University students are bringing Anne Frank’s diary to life in an upcoming stage production.
The SDSU Theatre and Dance department will present “The Diary of Anne Frank” from Oct. 16-18. Led by director Casey Paradies, the cast is working to bring the story to the community.
The play follows the real-life story of two Jewish families hiding in an annex in Amsterdam during the height of World War II and the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Told from the perspective of a young girl’s diary entries throughout the family’s years of confinement, it shows the highs and lows of wartime, giving audiences a firsthand look into the well-known story.
Paradies has wanted to direct this play for a long time and said now is the time for it to be shared more than ever.
“When you look at the experiences that these people went through, you realize that they’re human,” Paradies said. “They’re not good, they’re not bad, they’re not evil, they’re just human beings, and this is a time to remind people of humanity.”
Kirynn Engelbrecht, who plays Mrs. Van Daan, said audiences will be surprised by how closely the play follows the diary and how realistic it feels.
“We haven’t strayed away from the original text by hiding any of the messages or hiding what really did happen,” she said. “Instead of just seeing a play, we want you to see the history on the stage.”
To stay true to the history, Paradies said he conducted extensive research, reading every book he could find to ensure the play is as accurate as possible.
Israel Caldron, who plays Peter Van Daan, described the off-stage impact of being part of the production’s artistic process.
“The show is supposed to be set in close quarters, and I really enjoy getting to be closer with my co-actors and friends,” he said. “Everyone else in the cast, the directors and stage managers all have a very visceral reaction to the ending; it will be exciting for us to see the audience react to that.”
Cast members are confident that audiences will enjoy the production.
“Doing this show, that’s not a fictional story and actually happened, we’re telling a story that has historical significance,” Caldron said. “The whole reason we study history is so we don’t repeat it, so that’s the most rewarding part.”
A company call for students to get involved in productions is held every Tuesday at 6 p.m. Engelbrecht said there are several ways to help.
“Those who have costuming and sewing experience, want to help out in the scene shop, or even tech,” she said.
Tickets for “The Diary of Anne Frank” are on sale until the last show date. Student tickets are free. Tickets for adults are $20.
Tickets for seniors, military members and children are $18. They can be purchased at the Oscar Larson Performing Arts Center box office or online through its ticket portal.
