The National Players Presents The Diary of Anne Frank

The play is set in Amsterdam and begins in July of 1942. Two Jewish families, the Franks and van Daans, move into hiding to avoid arrest by the Nazis. A couple of trusted friends, Mr. Kraler and Miep Gies, help the families settle in the secret annex, hidden rooms in the rear extension of the building where Otto Frank (Anne’s father) worked before they went into hiding. After Mr. Kraler and Miep leave, the families begin to unpack and Anne tries to get to know Peter van Daan, a very shy boy a couple years older than her. As months go by, Anne’s optimism and energy begin to cause problems in the cramped annex. Mrs. Van Daan claims she is rude, her older sister Margot is becoming distant, and Peter’s shyness hasn’t cracked. As Anne begins to go through puberty, her relationship with her mother also becomes strained. After some debate as to whether the annex can accommodate another person, Mr. Dussell joins the families and tells them what has been happening since they went into hiding. They are relieved to hear that people believe the Franks escaped to Switzerland, but are terrified when they learn of the death camps that hundreds of Jews are sent to each day. Their first Hanukkah in hiding comes, and Anne is determined to celebrate. She has thoughtfully prepared presents for everyone. However, the good mood is broken when Mr. Van Daan and Peter start arguing. The argument is quickly ended by a crashing sound in the offices below, followed by the sound of running feet. Mr. Frank goes downstairs to investigate and returns with the news that it was a thief—but everyone is terrified of being discovered. Over many more months, Anne and Peter’s young teenage friendship begins to blossom into romance. They confide in one another and eventually share their first kiss. The annex feels smaller and smaller. The families learn from Miep that the Allied invasion of Europe has begun, and they are hopeful that they may soon come out of hiding. But they also learn that a man from the office was seen staring at the bookshelf blocking the entrance to the secret annex. Only a few weeks later, Nazi soldiers arrive to take them away. Anne writes the last entry in her diary on August 1, 1944.