The Diary of Anne Frank: A Play

It’s New Year’s Day 1944, a year and a half after they went into hiding. Anne writes that they’re hungry and getting sick often. Mr. Dussel is trying to pull Mrs. van Daan’s tooth as she struggles and shrieks. Anne talks about her body changing and getting her first period, describing her curiosities and the desires she feels when she sees a nude woman in a painting or when Peter looks at her. Anne remembers wanting to touch her friend’s breasts and kiss her when she was younger. Miep enters with a cake for New Year’s, an immense luxury with the rationing of groceries. Everyone is excited, and Mr. van Daan mentions that they need seven pieces since Margot is sick, but Mrs. Frank asserts firmly that she can have her cake. Mrs. van Daan starts to serve the cake, but Mr. Dussel comments that Mrs. Frank ought to slice it. He notes that when Mrs. van Daan serves, Mr. van Daan tends to get the biggest piece. They argue, but Mrs. Frank cuts the cake, and they all enjoy it. Miep is going to a party with her fiancé, and she promises to tell them all about it.