One voice from World War II Nazi occupied Germany, another from 1950’s Jim Crow American segregated south. Both converged in an imaginary conversational play, “Anne and Emmett” at the Baltimore School for the Arts on Tuesday, October 20, 2009.
The stunning fictitious narrative was written by Janet Langhart Cohen, wife of former Secretary of Defense William S. Cohen.
The play focuses on Jewish Holocaust victim Anne Frank, internationally recognized from her writings compiled in the book “The Diary of Anne Frank,” and Emmett Till, the 14-year old Chicagoan who was murdered in Money, Mississippi, galvanizing the Civil Rights Movement.
Frank, played by Amal Saade, and Till, played by Leo Breckenridge, find themselves in a place called memory, where they begin to unravel their respective tales of how they came to their demise.
Initially startled and confused about their arrival, they soon discover their commonalities as they grapple with issues of anti-Semitism, racism and intolerance, concluding that fear and hate caused the oppression of their peoples.
Frank and Till’s wrenching stories of pain, suffering and subsequent martyrdom draw them to pronounced calls of action, for people to never forget and repeat their tragedies, and to work for change to end all fear and hatred, ultimately creating a world of social justice and human rights.
The musical score, a blend of eastern European classical music and southern jazz and blues, was masterfully composed and performed by violinist Joshua Coyne, a 16-year-old student at the School for the Arts.
Pre and post-play discussions of “Anne & Emmett” were led by Cohen and RESPECT, an internal affinity group composed of voluntary staff within the Anne E. Casey Foundation.
Their mission is to educate the community regarding issues of equality, diversity and inclusion to enhance the foundation’s work with at risk youth and families.
Also leading the discussions were the Black/Jewish Forum of Baltimore (BLEWS), founded in 1978 to promote respect and understanding between Black and Jewish communities.
“All of the issues still exist,” said BLEWS president Marlyn O’Mansky. “If we are silent, we will allow it to continue.”
The impetus behind the play was a remark made by a woman to Cohen that revisiting the past was “unbecoming,” adding, “I hope you will not play the victim.”
Cohen was driven to write a response, and along with her husband’s encouragement “Anne & Emmett” was born.
On June 10, 2009, the day the play was set to premier at the Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C., 89-year old white supremacist James Von Brunn entered the building and opened fire, subsequently killing 39-year old security guard Stephen T. Jons, who was black.
“It was unbelievable the hate was [still] present,” said Breckenridge. He and Saade were about to rehearse in the building when the incident occurred. “It was so clear why we were there.”
The play did premier two days later on Friday, June 12, the 80th birthday of Anne Frank.
Cohen’s intention for “Anne & Emmett” is to play throughout the academic world in schools, colleges and universities. “I want it to be enlightening to the youth,” said Cohen.
To learn more about “Anne & Emmett” please call202-494-0816, or email to
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it
You may also visit the website at www.anneandemmett.net.
Frank, played by Amal Saade, and Till, played by Leo Breckenridge, find themselves in a place called memory, where they begin to unravel their respective tales of how they came to their demise.
“It was unbelievable the hate was [still] present,” said Breckenridge. He and Saade were about to rehearse in the building when the incident occurred. “It was so clear why we were there.”
Subscribe to this comment's feed
