delicately handled and thought-provoking comedy drama.
“Shiva for Anne Frank” is written and performed by Rachel Mckay Steele, and directed by Sharon Lennon.
Rachel opens the show by explaining the weeklong Jewish mourning period known as shiva, and why sitting shiva for Anne Frank may be unconventional. For those unaware of Anne, we’re also introduced to the Jewish teenage diarist famous for documenting her life between 1942 and 1944, whilst in hiding from Nazis in Amsterdam. There’s a lot of information provided, but this is well pitched at those who have no prior knowledge.
Throughout the performance, we’re brought back to excerpts from Anne’s diary, particularly those that resonate with the perilous political climate we find ourselves in today. This is complemented with comedic stories from Rachel’s own life, growing up in South Carolina, with a small Jewish population, and the anti-Semitic behaviours and attacks persisting in America today. We hear about her nose job, how she discovered her sexuality and relationships, mirroring Anne’s contemplations from her diary. This is handled with care, not to paint Anne as a saint but as a teenager living through unprecedented times, trying to make sense of the world. There are funny stories and anecdotes but these are told more with a dry wit, raising chuckles more than laughter. This was maybe reflective of the audience in attendance today, for whom some of the pop culture references may be less familiar.
Toward the end of the show, Rachel explained her reticence in talking about the Jewish faith and how Jews will prevail, particularly in the context of Israel and Gaza. There is a Jewish prayer for those affected, but in her efforts to explain there is not enough time to fully explain her thoughts, we sail past a number of natural conclusions, which risks blunting her earnest message.
Shiva for Anne Frank is a thought-provoking hour, in which the experiences of the past are linked to those occurring now, in a unique and entertaining way.
Shiva For Anne Frank runs to 24 August, at 14:20 at Zoo Playground. Tickets can be bought from: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/shiva-for-anne-frank
This blog post provides a wonderful insight into the performance “Shiva for Anne Frank” by Rachel Mckay Steele. The delicate balance of comedy and drama seems intriguing. I’m curious to know, how did the audience react to the intertwining of Anne Frank’s story with Rachel’s personal experiences? Did it create a powerful emotional connection for the viewers?