07/03/2026
DREAMS OF ANNE FRANK – A PLAY FOR THE YOUTH by Bernard Kops
Theodor Herzl High School is proud to present this poignant and powerful play, which brings a much-needed message of hope to ALL young people, regardless of race, colour or creed, living in a world of uncertainty that they had nothing to do with creating. The message: no matter how dark the world seems, the light and dreams and voices of the youth can never be extinguished.
Set in Amsterdam during World War 2, the play takes us on a journey through the eyes of Anne Frank, a young girl who famously kept a diary of her family’s time of hiding from the N***s. DREAMS OF ANNE FRANK explores this young writer’s dreams, hopes and fears from a more expressionist view, with glorious dreamscapes, absurdist sub-conscious episodes, and a tender, touching look at what this precious (and precocious) young girl’s life should have been…
Director Niqui Cloete-Barrass, assisted by musical director Candice Parkin, has collated a musical landscape for Kops’ lyrics, which include tunes about dreams, e.g. Dream a Little Dream (The Mammas and the Papas), Don’t Dream Its Over (Crowded House), I Have A Dream (ABBA) and an original composition by ex-Theodorian, Raymond West.
Award-winning choreographer, Chireen Stronach has put the talented cast through their paces for some fascinating movement numbers, and the creative lighting design is the brainchild of none other than THE David Limbert.
Cloete-Barrass is extremely proud of her young cast. “They have shown such maturity, empathy and creativity. The sensitive and reverent way that they have embraced this complex play is astounding. They feel a special sense of family as a cast.”
The play carries an age restriction of PG10, and features loud noises, flashing lights and political symbols that might offend sensitive viewers.