Sulia Altenberg (Anne Frank) and Ryan London Levin (Peter Van Daan) in a rehearsal
(Photo by Connie Shaver)
What if an English teacher had her class read The Diary of Anne Frank?
What if she’d asked permission from the principal to do an experiential lesson with her students?
What if that lesson involved deeming half the class to be superior to the other half?
What if the superior half got to reinforce their superiority through constant criticism and punishment?
What if the students skulked into class the following day wondering what would happen to them next?
Laurie Flanigan Hegge (Mrs. Frank), Robert-Bruce Brake (Mr. Van Daan) and Charles Fraser (Mr. Dussel) in a rehearsal
(Photo by Connie Shaver)
What if the teacher explained that they’d been part of a social experiment?
What if the “inferior” students got angry and upset?
What if they were mad that they wouldn’t get their turns to switch roles to become the tormentors?
What if there had only been one student of color in the room, and she was Japanese American?
What if this story is true?
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Different approaches to teaching The Diary of Anne Frank can yield surprising, but no less valuable, insights for both teachers and students alike. Park Square Theatre itself supports teachers with comprehensive study guides for its student matinees that are loaded with contextual information, suggested classroom activities and numerous resources. Our study guides are lauded for their grade-appropriateness and usability, as they are created by educators for educators. They are also living documents, continually being re-evaluated and updated for relevancy, as well as inspiring tools for deep engagement and inquiry.
Access the study guide for The Diary of Anne Frank here.
Just as Anne Frank’s diary has been a staple in American school curriculum for decades, the play has been one of Park Square Theatre’s longest running productions viewed by thousands of young audience members for decades. This season, don’t miss its limited performances for general audiences on April 19, 22, 26 and 28 (tickets and information here).
