26 January 2006

The powerful tale of Anne Frank with puppets

It is quite extraordinary what a powerful role the puppet can play in telling a difficult story, even a well-read piece of history like Anne Frank. During the Nazi occupation of The Netherlands in 1942 to 1944, the Frank family were in hiding in a secret loft in Amsterdam, which is now one of the most frequently visited places in the world. Frank became the eyes of the Holocaust, witnessed by this young Jewish child.

The Centre for Puppetry Arts has produced a powerful piece of theatre. But Bobby Box, the creator of "Anne Frank: Within & Without" believed that puppets could bring new depth and perspective to the wartime memoir. Theatergoers apparently agree. Mr. Box's new version, which opened last week at the Center for Puppetry Arts in Atlanta, USA, has been playing to sold-out crowds. The show has been so successful that the center is considering touring the production. Check it out here!