NW Valley Times

Grand Canyon University's theater department is commemorating the 80th anniversary of the liberation of Auschwitz-Birkenau with a production of "The Diary of Anne Frank." The play opens at the Black Box Theatre and features Ashley Yablonsky as Anne Frank, with Damien Martinez portraying her father. Director Joanie Colson emphasized the importance of remembering these events, stating, “It is a great story that we need to tell and can’t forget that it happened.”

The play depicts two Jewish families hiding in an annex during the Holocaust. The cast visited the Arizona Jewish Historical Society for insights into Holocaust survivors' experiences. This visit included speaking with survivors, one of whom knew Anne Frank personally. Damien Martinez shared how this interaction deepened his understanding: “It made me realize how they were, and I could know what they went through.”

Junior Anthony Piunno, playing Peter Van Daan, noted that while the play covers tragic events, it also highlights relationships and hope: “This is... about relationships, growth, hope and trying to make the best out of a terrible situation.” Ashley Yablonsky expressed respect for survivors' stories after meeting them.

As memories fade with fewer survivors remaining, the cast emphasizes retelling these stories to ensure their impact endures.