Emily’s Workshop

As someone who keeps a diary myself, I know how personal it can be to write down daily thoughts and experiences. My own diary always feels like a bell ringing at the end of the day and also like a history book that tells the story of my past. When I first read Anne Frank’s diary, I was really touched by her honest writing. But it wasn’t until I read the 1955 script by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett that I fully understood the deep emotions in her story. This script, which turns Anne’s diary into a dramatic story, gave me a new view that, in my opinion, is more powerful than the original book.

A diary captures daily events as they happen, showing only bits and pieces of experiences. The original diary does this well, with its day-by-day entries. But the script uses a different approach, unfolding through flashbacks from Anne’s father, Otto Frank. Right from the start, the reader knows the tragic ending waiting for the family, which lets the script dive deeply into Anne’s feelings and actions. This flashback method adds more emotional depth to the story, making it more touching and engaging.

The script’s dramatic structure also boosts its emotional impact. Scenes are designed to build suspense, create empathy, and highlight moments of joy and humanity even in times of fear and tension. This storytelling method makes Anne’s experiences more relatable and compelling, creating a stronger emotional connection with the audience.

One especially powerful moment in the play is how it handles Anne’s famous quote, “In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart.” In the original diary, this quote is just a passing thought. But the play places this quote at the end, giving it a deep and lasting effect. This placement shows Anne’s enduring hope and strength, leaving a strong impression that lingers long after the play ends.

The play’s dialogue also helps bring Anne’s world to life in a more immediate way. While the diary includes her inner thoughts, the play features conversations that bring out not just Anne but also the other people hiding in the Secret Annex. This adds more depth to the story, showing their shared struggles and humanity.

The visual and sound effects in the play also make it more effective. Stage directions, lighting, and sound create a real atmosphere that the written diary can’t achieve. These elements pull the audience into the cramped space of the Secret Annex, making the experience of hiding feel more real and immediate.

Overall, the play’s impact goes beyond just the script itself. By turning Anne Frank’s touching words into a live performance, the play not only brings her story to modern audiences but also makes it more relevant. It encourages us to think about hope, strength, and human dignity during tough times. The play’s ability to evoke deep emotional responses keeps Anne’s story a powerful part of our cultural conversation, reminding us of the lasting importance of empathy and understanding in our shared humanity.