The Diary of Anne Frank

I only heard of this adaptation recently, though it has been available for the stage since 1959.  A very interesting piece, since it makes an absorbing play out of a very small narrative arc, and one where we already know the outcome.  The play succeeds by focusing on the tensions amongst the two Jewish families and an acquaintance trying to survive in a cramped hidden garret in Nazi-occupied Amsterdam.

The production did an excellent job in realising the cramped quarters.  A timber-framed lattice with broken plasterwork created from brown paper.  A small raised area to one side gave the idea of the route to Peter van Daan’s bunk and his parents’ room,.

Tim Schuler had split the role of Anne into the voice of the diary, played by Poppy Condra, and Anne the person (Susannah Bond), interacting with the other characters.  This added to the smoothness of the action, allowing the “physical Anne” to change between scenes, whilst the diary mused on the contrasts between aspiration and life in hiding.

The rest was down to a very effective, emotional set of performances from the whole company, playing on the claustrophobic atmosphere and the relationships between the contrasting characters.  Adam Reeves was spot on as the awkward Peter, having difficulty coping with teenage rebellion in such a constrained setting.  Gemma Wilks as Mrs van Daan was almost the archetypal overbearing Jewish mother whilst avoiding the pitfall of straying into parody.  As Anne’s father, the only one to survive the war, Michael Lovibond was excellent, showing enough emotion to indicate the deep feelings that were being held in check at each turn of their constrained path.

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