WINNIPEG, MB – The University of Winnipeg Department of Theatre and Film’s 2009-10 season concludes March 30-April 3, 2010 with the compelling true story of The Diary of Anne Frank. The play will be directed by Ann Hodges, and performed by the Acting IV: Honours – Acting Style and Genre class with technical support from the Department’s design and production students.
The Diary of Anne Frank tells the story of Anne and seven others who hid from the Nazis during World War II. Only 13 years old when she went into hiding in the Secret Annex, this gifted young girl kept a diary of the daily events which has since been translated into 67 languages and presented countless times on stage and screen. The original stage play by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett was further adapted by Wendy Kesselman into a transcendently powerful study of courage, love, and humanity. It premiered on Broadway in 1997.
“One thing the play shows us is how the struggles of the eight individuals reflect what happens when building any community,” says director Ann Hodges. “As time passes and life become more stressful in the annex, the conflict rises and the individuals begin to attack each other – to the point of putting the entire group at risk.”
The play is written in a naturalistic style, challenging the acting students to plumb the emotional and psychological truth of their real-life characters. The set design, by Sean McMullen, suggests not only the claustrophobic annex, but also the ominous presence of the outside world just beyond. Period costumes are designed by Kim Donald-Haverty, and the evocative lighting design is by Tim Babcock. The entire production team has researched the actual Annex and Anne’s diary in order to present a genuine re-telling of this famous story.
Performances free and open to all
Performances are Tuesday, March 30 through Saturday, April 3 at 8:00 pm nightly, at the Gas Station Theatre, 445 River Avenue. Admission is free but reservations are recommended. Please call our 24-hour Reservation and Information Line at 204.786.9152, or visit The University of Winnipeg’s Department of Theatre and Film website at: http://theatre.uwinnipeg.ca
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Based in its new home in the Canwest Centre for Theatre and Film at The University of Winnipeg, the Department of Theatre and Film offers areas of study in Acting, Design, Drama in Education, Filmmaking, Playwriting, and Production/Stage Management. Our classes are small and our approach is practical. Our faculty is comprised of highly respected and award-winning professionals who are experienced teachers and remain active in their disciplines, bringing relevant and up-to-date instruction to our students.
For more information, please contact:
Patty Hawkins
Department of Theatre and Film
The University of Winnipeg
T: 204.786.9955
p.hawkins@uwinnipeg.ca
