Harris Center: Spring 2019

IMPERFECT DANCERS COMPANY
continued
severe factors: the cultural depth, the potential to be developed
in an original and modern fashion, the artistic interest and
the emotions they evoke. When we translate our ideas into
movement we always start with the music and then the sole
purpose is to convey emotion.”
Mix brilliant dancers from around the world, the deep passion of
Italy and the vision of one of the great emerging choreographers
of the century. The result is the perfection of IMPERFECT
DANCERS COMPANY, the most sought-after troupe from one of
the world’s most inspired landscapes.
are now accustomed to seeing violence. It has become difficult
to distinguish reality from fiction. Terrible events do not shock
us as they should. This interaction with the soldiers catapults
the audience into the historical period.
Scene 3 – Traditional Jewish music “Improvisation”
From the darkness of the stage the sound of a violin slowly
emerges, silencing the soldiers. As the musician is lit, the
audience can see him, dressed in his ''stripped pajamas''. While
he plays, the stage lights slowly reveal the secrets the stage
holds. There is a striking contrast between the violence and the
brutality of the soldiers and the purity and beauty of the music.
On stage: Violinist
Scene 4 – Traditional Jewish music Oyf'n Pripetshock and
Nacht Aktion V.A.
Anne enters from the back of the stage, the diary clutched in
her arms.
On stage: Anne
Scene 5 – Händel ''Lascia ch'io pianga'' from the opera
“Rinaldo”
Anne gives her diary to the world.
The diary comes to life. Holding the diary in his hands, Otto is
immersed into his daughter’s secret world.
On stage:
Anne's solo
Diary's solo
Duet Otto and Diary
ANNE FRANK, WORDS FROM THE SHADOWS
Synopsis
Characters Anne Frank: Turquoise dress
Edith Frank: Burgundy dress
Margot Frank: Grey dress
Otto Frank: Dark blue pants, grey sweater without sleeves,
beige-stained shirt
Auguste van Pels: Green dress
Hermann van Pels: Black pants, dark grey vest, light grey shirt
Peter van Pels: Blue pants, beige-stained shirt, green
suspenders
Doctor Fritz Pfeffer: Beige pants, beige cardigan
Embodiment of the diary (Diary): White dress, imprinted with
phrases from the diary
Scene 1 – Traditional Jewish choir
Overture
The piece opens with a traditional Jewish choir, singing one of
the songs of their repertoire commemorating the Holocaust.
Note: A live choir performance is not a sine qua non. If possible
we try to involve the city's Jewish community, if not, we use a
CD recording.
Scene 2 – Interaction with the audience
Soldiers enter the auditorium.
We decided to introduce this scene for two different reasons.
The first one is historical: German soldiers used to raid
theaters during performances, seizing Jewish artists, political
opponents, etc. The second one, and more important to us: we
Scene 6 – Bach II Mov. Concerto for Violin BWV 1042
Otto starts reading the diary and his memories take shape. The
stage is gradually populated by the characters of the Secret
Annex (i.e. the people hiding there).
On stage:
Edith
Duet Edith and Doctor Pfeffer (Fritz)
All the characters Otto’s solo
Women’s section
Doctor Pfeffer (Fritz)
Duet Hermann and his son, Peter
Duet Margot and her mother, Edith
Anne’s solo
Scene 7 – Max Richter Last Days
The life in hiding becomes harder every day.
This is illustrated by the quarrels and discussions between
Anne and the Doctor, e.g. about the use of the desk. Otto tries to
keep everything under control. At night men raid the warehouse.
On stage: Brief duet Anne and Peter
Parents’ section
Men’s section
All the characters hide under the table
Men raid the warehouse, scanning the space with flashlights
– Peter’s solo.
Duet Anne and Doctor Pfeffer
Duet Otto and Doctor Pfeffer
42 2018-2019 SEASON PROGRAM GUIDE www.harriscenter.net