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Drama Takes A Look At Anne Frank's Life

Tribune photo by LOIS KINDLE

The cast and crew members of East Bay High School's production of The Diary of Anne Frank are, from left, Eric Mitchell, Joey Hedrick Carmery Trinidad Keith Whatley Rosie Castellanos Scott Penta Allison Taylor Colin Mitchell Ellany Green, holding her cat, Taboo Brianna Sparklin and Mahogany Bass.

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By LOIS KINDLE

lkindle@tampatrib.com

Published: November 19, 2008

GIBSONTON - Imagine yourself as a 13-year-old living with your family in an attic for two years while someone outside is trying to hurt you. Now imagine remaining optimistic throughout the ordeal and retaining your faith in humanity.

That's the gist of "The Diary of Anne Frank," a two-act drama to be presented by theater students at the East Bay High School.

"I try to choose plays that have educational value for students and the audience," said Krista Pelham, theater director. "'The Diary of Anne Frank' brings the Holocaust to them on a more personal level than what they read in the classroom or at home."

The play follows the original screen adaptation by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hack and is based on the book "The Diary of a Young Girl."

The story revolves around Anne, a Jewish teenager living in Amsterdam during the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands. Anne, her parents, sister Margot, and four others are forced to go into hiding in the annex of rooms above Otto Frank's office. During their 25-month confinement, Anne keeps a diary until everyone is betrayed, arrested and deported to concentration camps.

Ellany Green, 17, who plays the role of Margot, said the play imparts an important message.

"I think it is a very good lesson about the dangers of intolerance and tyranny and how to rise above it," she said. "I would feel very claustrophobic and stressed under such close confinement."

"Deep in her heart, Anne feels everyone is basically good," said Allison Taylor, 16, who plays the role of Anne. "She shows that by her courage. Through everyday things, she finds a reason to smile."

IF YOU GO

WHAT: "The Diary of Anne Frank"

WHERE: East Bay High's Katherine Hill Auditorium, 7710 Big Bend Road, Gibsonton

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Thursday to Saturday

COST: Adults, $6; students, $4; groups of 10 or more receive student pricing; includes complimentary dessert during intermission

INFORMATION: (813) 671-5134, ext. 271

Reporter Lois Kindle can be reached at (813) 865-1553. To see more photos, go to southshore.tbo.com.

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