Souvenir d'Anne Frank

History of the project:

'Development sessions' for Souvenir d'Anne Frank were held at the Farnham Maltings, in July/August 2009, funded by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, Spelthorne Borough Council and Ensemble. We explored the interplay of live music, text, song, movement, light and moving imagery, to create an original theatre language through which to tell Anne's story anew.

Each movement of Decio's Piano Trio (played live onstage with the composer at the piano, together with violinist and cellist) we interwove with specially written text, illuminating different aspects of Anne's story – including the fascinating story of the Souvenir d'Anne Frank rose and its journey to Japan, where it is now grown everywhere, cultivated by children, as a symbol of peace, tolerance and understanding, between people of different races and religions.

Noh, Kabuki and Haiku poetry influenced the making of Souvenir d'Anne Frank, through the contribution of our Japanese artists. The European artists brought a Brechtian performance style into the arena.

The development sessions culminated in a 'Sharing of the work'.

Here is some of the audience feedback:

“Congratulations on this piece... I have seen many Anne Frank inspired productions but this was something different and special. It was also an extremely enlightening feedback session. Great to hear a genuine and honest response from members of the audience really understanding why Anne's story should still be told... really getting it's relevance to here and now. It was also pleasing to hear their praise for an excellent piece of work. The Brechtian influence was inspired and the music is tremendous...

This is such a timely piece. We (The Anne Frank Trust UK) have been searching for a creative piece to get behind for many years... the right piece just hasn't materialised but that has changed with this.”

Jamie Arden: National Programmes Manager, The Anne Frank Trust UK

“...The whole thing was very powerful and emotional and I thought the theatrical style enhanced the music, which is wonderful...”

Rina Rosselson: Retired person

“...The tenderness with which Miep regards Anne is so moving; as if in some way by holding this precious child in her consciousness she could save her. As an audience we know what fate has in store for Anne, but she doesn't. Her diary, although specific to the situation she is in, also reflects the universal hopes and dreams of any young girl, at any time in history on the brink of womanhood. The play must surely resonate with all young girls who have their "annex", a private place within which they dream their life to come. ”

Pauline Hodson: Psychotherapist

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Buddy Elias, President of the Anne Frank Fonds, and Anne Frank's cousin, has given Souvenir d'Anne Frank his blessing and full support, allowing the use of Anne's own words from her diary. The Anne Frank Trust UK, partnered with the Anne Frank House, in Amsterdam will be working with Ensemble to deliver the project.

Souvenir d'Anne Frank has been supported by the National Lottery through Arts Council England, and Spelthorne Borough Council.

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