American University music director and cellist Nancy Jo Snider is an international performer in her own right who met Dr. Cˇ echová when the dancer was a visiting Fulbright Scholar at AU. Snider also frequently performs with many Washington-area based ensembles. During the performance, she supplies sound effects and musically comments on the action from an elevated platform.
WHAT TO WATCH AND LISTEN FOR… How the cello takes on the almost symbolic “voice” of Kitty during the opening moments of call and response between Anne and the cellist, but also creates an emotional connection with other figures in the story ■ The music reflecting the contrast between Anne’s fight with her mother and the calmness of Anne’s interactions with her father ■ Anne’s movements, which are often simple, imaginative, or silly, just like those of any teenage girl ■ The dance movements that occasionally echo those of a bird like the “caged” creature Anne describes ■
WHAT TO THINK ABOUT… Otto Frank frequently said of Anne’s diary, “I hope Anne’s book will have an effect on the rest of your life so that… you will work for unity and peace.” What impact did today’s performance have on you? What did Anne’s story mean for you personally? What actions, if any, will it inspire you to take?
David M. Rubenstein Chairman Deborah F. Rutter President Darrell M. Ayers Vice President, Education The Voice of Anne Frank is made possible by Kaplan, Inc.; Mr. James V. Kimsey; The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; and the U.S. Department of Education. Major support for educational programs at the Kennedy Center is provided by David and Alice Rubenstein through the Rubenstein Arts Access Program. Education and related artistic programs are made possible through the generosity of the National Committee for the Performing Arts and the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts.
www.kennedy-center.org/artsedge Cuesheets are produced by ArtsEdge, an education program of the Kennedy Center. Learn more about education at the Kennedy Center at www.kennedy-center.org/education The contents of this Cuesheet have been developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education and do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education. You should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. © 2014 The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
THE VOICE OF ANNE FRANK
Mirˇ enka Cˇechová, as “Anne Frank” Nancy Jo Snider, cellist Martin Spetlik, lighting design/technical artist Petr Bohac, director Spitfire Company, CZ During World War II, millions of Jewish citizens suffered immense discrimination, terrible torture, and worse. In order to escape such a fate, some families made the painful decision to go into hiding—sometimes for years at a time. The Franks and their young daughter Anne were among them.
PERFORMANCE GUIDE
Originally from the Czech Republic, Mir´ enka Cˇ echová is an international, award-winning artist and a renowned authority on movement and theater. She holds a Ph.D. in physical theater direction and mime from the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague and is a founding member of three separate theater and movement companies.
Cuesheet
BEHIND THE FOUR WALLS