Anne Frank Project to be Featured on 'AM/Buffalo'

The fourth annual Anne Frank Project, which opens September 12 and runs through September 15, is getting some pre-conference TV buzz.

On September 7, a reporter and photographer from WKBW-TV (Channel 7) visited the Flexible Theatre and filmed scenes from When the Walls Come Down—Truth!, an original play that premieres at 7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, September 12, the first day of the conference.

They also interviewed Anne Frank Project Director Drew Kahn, who talked about the play and how it ties into the conference, which this year supports the theme "Embracing Responsibility."

Tune in Tuesday, September 11, at 10:00 a.m. to see the segment on AM/Buffalo.

About half of the play's 14 cast members participated in the television shoot. Buffalo State theater students created the play in conjunction with the Mashirika Performing Arts group during their January 2012 trip to Rwanda. The play stemmed from the group’s visits to genocide memorials, orphanages, schools, refugee campus, and villages.

"The theory was that that the theater would be a safe dumping ground for all that we experienced," Kahn said.

Using a blend of fable, proverb, shadow play, dance, and song, the play follows the judicial process for the village Griot, a West African historian, storyteller, poet and musician, who is on trial for creating great pain and suffering. Questions emerge as the villagers tries to determine her guilt or innocence: Can admitting guilt lead to forgiveness? Has the world built too many walls to find truth? Is reconciliation possible?

"I am extremely proud of my students and their process during the creation of  Walls," Kahn said. "It is a daunting task to create a story to perform from the ground up. Their personal investment coupled with the immediate and essential demand to put their training into action has been thrilling to witness. Their devotion and artistry are apparent throughout the play. Their courage will be transferable to so many life experiences."

The September 12 performance is free and open to the public. Subsequent performances will be held September 19–22 and September 26–29 at 8:00 p.m. and September 22 and 29 at 2:00 p.m. Tickets are $15 general admission, $10 for Buffalo State faculty and staff, and $6 for students.

To see the entire Anne Frank conference schedule and download the free mobile app, visit www.theannefrankproject.com/.