Locals enhance production dedicated to Anne Frank

Persecution of European Jews was a constant theme of Adolf Hitler’s Third Reich. Those, who could, emigrated, mainly to the US, others sought refuge in neutral countries; embarrassingly for Ireland, we did everything in our power to limit the amount of Jews we had to accept.

Members of the Frank family sought sanctuary in Holland, only to see the Netherlands over-run by Nazis. Forced into hiding, they lived a precarious existence until they were discovered and eventually deported to the Bergen-Belsen death camp. The most famous of the Frank family was Anne Frank, a teenager whose writings (in the form of a diary) were published following her death in 1945.

Anne’s account of daily life during her 2 years in hiding, was the inspiration for composer, Girish Paul’s, ‘The Diary Of Anne Frank - Her Journey In Music’ which received its Irish premiere in the Palace Theatre, Fermoy last Saturday night.

Multi instrumentalist, Girish and executive producer, Carmel Barrett, are responsible for a hauntingly beautiful production that provides another perspective on a story that

should act as a warning about the dangers of totalitarian states. It also afforded established and up-and-coming actors with a platform to showcase their skills.

SPECIAL NIGHT

Firmly in the ‘up-and-coming’ category is Clodagh Foster from Crosshaven, who is excellent in her portrayal of Anne Frank. Award winning actor, Sean Ahern is Otto Frank, with Mary Gallahue playing the part of Edith Frank. Eliana

Moroney is Margot Frank, while the role of Peter Van Pels is in the hands of Sean Cosgrove. Others fortunate enough to be associated with this already critically acclaimed musical/film include: Nora-Kate Mercier (Anna Lee), Christine Murphy (Mrs Van Pels), John Brett (The Teacher) and founder member of the Palace Players, former editor of TheAvondhu, Liam Howard (Mr Dussel).

The home grown talent don’t let the side down and they should be well satisfied with their considerable contributions. Last Saturday’s event had all the trappings of a premiere, with, if anything, the boys outdoing the girls, when it came to sartorial elegance. Palace Theatre manager, Kieran Barry and his staff, did a great job hosting the event and those making up the audience, knew by being present, they were part of something very special.

(Pic: John Ahern) AT THE PREMIERE: Anne Ahern with actors, her husband, Sean Ahern (right) and Liam Howard from Kilworth, who featured in Girish Paul’s creation ‘The Diary Of Anne Frank - Her Journey In Music’, which had its Irish premiere in the Palace Theatre, Fermoy last Saturday night.

(Pic: John Ahern) Clodagh Foster, left, who played the part of Anne Frank, in the company of her friends at last Saturday night’s premiere in Fermoy Community Youth Centre, l-r: Ella Ronan, Charlotte Fleming and Abby Horgan.

(Pic: John Ahern) Supporters of the arts, Paul and Margaret Mary Coughlan from Mitchelstown, who were entertained by ‘The Diary Of Anne Frank - Her Journey In Music’, which had its Irish premiere in the Palace Theatre, Fermoy last Saturday night.

(Pic: John Ahern) Locals who were in the Palace Theatre last Saturday night for the Irish premiere of ‘The Diary Of Anne Frank - Her Journey In Music’, l-r: Rachel O’Leary, PJ O’Leary, Leona Roche and Mary Roche.

Ahern) (Pic: John ABOVE - Composer Girish Paul (centre) with Pat Murphy and Kevin Courtney (right) from Watergrasshill, at last Saturday night’s premiere in the Palace Theatre, Fermoy.