Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl

Author(s): Meyer Levin
Levin was an American war correspondent working in London in 1943. He was one of the first American journalists to enter a work camp and was scarred by the horrors he witnessed in Ohrdruf, Bergen-Belsen and Dachau. When Levin read Anne Frank’s diary, he saw its potential as a dramatic production. However, Levin’s original full-length dramatic adaptation of The Diary of a Young Girl was never produced. Rather, a new adaptation by Albert Hackett and Frances Goodrich was selected for commercial production. His radio play, adapted from his original play, was broadcast twice in 1952 but was shelved in the face of a well-documented battle for the right to have his play produced.
Format: Radio play
Cast Size:6M/5F
Running Time: 30 minutes
Character breakdown:

Otto Frank
Anne Frank
Mrs. Frank
Margot
Miep/Lies
Mr. Van Daan
Mrs. Van Daan
Peter Van Daan
Announcer
Koophius
Dussel

Notes:

Jennifer Strome, who produced the 2009 revival of the radio play, worked to make it available as an educational and community resource. See annefrankunites.org

Snapshot

Original or Prominent Production:
September 18, 1952 on CBS; September 14, 2009, Jennifer Strome produced a private live performance of Levin’s radio play at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York City.
Original Source Material: Anne Frank: The Diary of a Young Girl
Nationality of Author: U.S.
Original Language: English
Experience(s) Chronicled: Hiding

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