A new musical in New York City, titled slam frank, portrays Holocaust victim Anne Frank as a pansexual Latina with a non-binary partner. This unconventional interpretation has sparked controversy, leading to a petition that calls for the performance to be “immediately canceled,” as it is seen as disrespectful to Jewish history.
The production’s Instagram states, “Anne Frank never came out of the closet,” and poses the question, “What if she did? How many of the 6 million never experienced the joy of gender uplift? How many never had positive affirmation?”
One Instagram post further reflects, “This proud Sunday, let us remember Anne Frank and celebrate the strange best friend she could have been. Slam Frank is here. Slam Frank is queer. Slam Frank is a real musical.”
The show features a lead character named “Anita Franco” and is being held at the off-Broadway venue Asylum New York until November 16th.
Jewish composer Andrew Fox expressed on social media that he noticed the actresses portraying Anne Frank were “all white.” He stated, “Our world is becoming more diverse, but the story of the Holocaust has not adapted until now.”
Fox elaborated on the musical’s concept, claiming it infuses elements of hip-hop and spoken word poetry, aiming to create a visionary retelling that resonates with future audiences.
Initially conceived as a satire on how narratives can be transformed under a “woke” lens, slam frank has since evolved into a full production centered around a fictional theater company that seeks to “decolonize” the Anne Frank story.
Critics point out that as the characters navigate various identities through musical performances, the narrative drifts into absurdity, with symbolic changes like replacing yellow stars with rainbow pins.
Although its opening was met with skepticism, most performances at Asylum New York have reportedly sold out.
A petition titled “Stop the Opening of Slam Frank – A Contempt for Jewish History” is actively requesting the show’s cancellation, asserting that it “distorts and trivializes Anne Frank’s true story, which stands as a symbol of Jewish suffering during the Holocaust.”
“Reducing her story to ‘slamming’ or entertainment prioritizing shock value over historical respect is inappropriate and deeply offensive,” the petition reads. It emphasizes the dedication of Jewish communities and Holocaust survivors to preserve the dignity of this history.
The petition also raises concerns that such portrayals trivialize real suffering, warning against the risks of misinformation and desensitization.
“Art and theater bear a responsibility, especially when addressing serious human suffering,” it argues. “While creative ways exist to tell tough stories, this work fails to honor Anne Frank’s memory and all Holocaust victims.”
The petition concludes with a plea for support to safeguard the “sanctity of Jewish history.”
In response to the backlash, Fox remarked that the criticism has taken a toll on his mental health and negatively affected ticket sales. He noted that initial enthusiasm for sold-out shows has been dampened, turning away fewer customers than anticipated.
Fox concluded by asking for privacy to “grieve with the family of our choosing” and expressed hope that the critics feel satisfied with their actions.
