Anne Frank on the Postwar Dutch Stage: Performance, Memory, Affect

This book explores the affective history of Holocaust drama, focusing on the European production of The Diary of Anne Frank. It revisits criticism of the Broadway makeover, examining the emotional intensity of the play and its impact on the cast and audience. Using unique archival material, it explores the postwar development of publicly voiced Holocaust consciousness in the Dutch staging.

Format: Hardback
Length: 122 pages
Publication date: 29 September 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book delves into the rich tapestry of Holocaust drama, offering a fresh and insightful perspective on the profound impact of The Diary of Anne Frank, the groundbreaking play that emerged in the 1950s and played a pivotal role in raising awareness about the Holocaust. While The Diary of Anne Frank achieved immense success, it has faced significant criticism regarding its Broadway makeover, with concerns raised that the adaptation may fail to adequately convey the gravity of the Holocaust or capture the essence of Anne Frank's Jewish identity. To address these concerns, this study takes a deep dive into the European appropriation of the play, exploring the emotional intensity with which it was produced and received. At the heart of the exploration lies a comprehensive history of the Dutch staging, meticulously documented through unique archival materials such as correspondence with Otto Frank, prompt books, original tapes, blueprints of the set, and oral histories. This microhistory of the first Dutch performance of the stage adaptation of Anne Frank's diary provides a profound context, shedding light on the hesitant development of publicly voiced Holocaust consciousness in the postwar era. Drawing upon memory studies and affect theory, the emphasis of this study lies in examining the emotional impact of the drama on both the cast members and the audience. It holds immense value for students and scholars engaged in theater and performance studies, memory studies, cultural history, Jewish studies, Holocaust studies, and contemporary European history. By delving into the intricacies of The Diary of Anne Frank's European appropriation, this book offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of the enduring legacy of Holocaust drama and its ability to evoke powerful emotions and foster a deeper understanding of the human experience.

Weight: 286g
Dimension: 143 x 222 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032034294