As a Jewish person, Chloe-Jean Vincent regards it as both a privilege and a responsibility to tell the story of Anne Frank in the titular role of Drew Anthony Creative production, The Diary Of Anne Frank.

Following the powerful stage adaptation’s premiere at Heath Ledger Theatre in 2025, Anthony successfully toured the play to Melbourne and Sydney earlier this year, ahead of a return Perth season in July.

“Anne wrote of her deep wish to go on living after her death, and everything I do with her story feels like an answer to that wish,” Kwinana actor Vincent says.

“Her voice represents so many voices that were silenced, and keeping her alive, really alive, on a stage, in front of people, feels like one of the most important things I could do with my own.”

Vincent recounts how the Jewish diarist and Holocaust victim’s words have stayed with her from the first time reading The Diary Of Anne Frank, having since had a short story published about the historical figure.

She is also currently writing a novel inspired by Frank’s life, along with working with Anne Frank organisations on a memorial project, while preparing for the upcoming season.

“She’s been woven into who I am long before this production came along,” Vincent shares.

“I never thought I’d actually have the opportunity to bring her to life onstage. Yet, stepping into this feels like something I’ve been walking towards for a long time, and I would love to find every opportunity to share her story as widely and as meaningfully as possible.”

Based on Frank’s extraordinary diary in the face of horrific adversity, the production invites audiences into the secret attic where she and her family lived in hiding during World War II.

The true story acts as a reminder of the importance of tolerance, courage, compassion and resilience.

“It’s a timeless story, and I think it’s extremely relevant right now, not for some of the reasons that people may think,” producer and director Anthony says.

“My choice to do The Diary Of Anne Frank had nothing to do with the rising anti-Semitism. It’s not a political statement in any way, shape, or form. It’s simply the choice to tell one of last century’s most inspiring true stories to a fresh audience. People have a real affection for The Diary Of Anne Frank where they either read it at school, or they’ve visited Anne Frank House when they’ve gone to Amsterdam.”

Winner of the Pulitzer Prize, Tony Award and the New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award for Best Play, The Diary Of Anne Frank has continued to be revived since the original Broadway production opened in 1955.

Anthony recounts how he saw the 1997 Broadway revival starring Natalie Portman, admitting he did not love that production.

“I loved seeing it with all of those incredible actors but I didn’t love the production itself, because they did a rewrite on it,” he says.

“It just didn’t feel as authentic as the original adaptation that was overseen by Anne’s father, Otto, who, of course, was the only surviving member of the family. I felt that when they did the rewrite for the 1997 Broadway revival, they lost the influence of Otto Frank in the original adaptation.

“So, when I was choosing to do it here last year, I had the choice of scripts. I could either do the original adaptation where he’s had a lot of influence, or I could do the 1997 revival. I chose to do the former, because I just feel it’s a much more authentic telling of that story.”

The Diary Of Anne Frank is at Heath Ledger Theatre, State Theatre Centre of WA, July 16 to 26. Tickets at artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au.