Story by Amy Turner, Staff writer
Photos by Brock Kirk/The News
The story of Anne Frank is one that was discovered and retold based off the writings of the thirteen-year-old’s diary that recorded the realities of life when living in hiding. To bring this story to life, The Department of Global Languages and Theater Arts performed “The Diary of Anne Frank” this past weekend.
The play was performed on campus from Tuesday, Feb. 19 through Saturday, Feb. 24. The small, hometown feel of the Wilson Hall Theater combined with the hard work and talent of the cast and crew led to sold out performances almost every night according to Macy Betz, junior from Evansville, Indiana.
“The Diary of Anne Frank” showcases the story of Anne Frank, a jewish girl who was forced into hiding with seven others during World War Two. After two years, the group was found and sent off to concentration camps leaving Otto Frank (Anne’s father) as the only survivor according to annefrank.org.
The lead role of Anne Frank was played by Betz who joined the theater two years ago. Betz changed her major her sophomore year to theater after deciding it was her dream career. In the two years since switching career paths, this is the second role she has played in a university play. She played the character Tess in the fall play “Crazy About You.” Betz said the experience of being a lead character and of the theater program have been slightly overwhelming but amazing.
“It’s a lot,” Betz said. “Especially with this show. Anne, it is her diary. She is going to have a lot of dialogue and a lot of lines. But it really is a fun role.”
Betz was joined by nine other cast members, two student designers, the stage manager and director. Forest Calhoun, freshman from Owensboro, Kentucky, played the character of Viktor Kugler in the show.
“My favorite part of Anne Frank would have to be the opportunity to play a real historical and dramatic character,” Calhoun said. “I typically play comedic roles, or fictional characters but Viktor Kugler was a real person with motivations, dreams and a plethora of likes and dislikes.”
Both Betz and Calhoun praised the theater program for being diverse and supportive. Betz said that the auditioning process can be daunting and but overall, everyone is full of encouragement.
“Theater itself is a very challenging career to get into,” Betz said. “We’re all striving to get in good roles and in shows, but it is very supportive. The world needs more people who are supportive no matter what.”
President Davies posted on Facebook to praise each of the actors/actresses, the student designers, the stage manager and the director, Lissa Graham-Schneider, individually for the performance.
“What an amazing theatrical experience,” Davies said. “But the students of Murray State under the direction of dedicated faculty make this even more meaningful.”