FPL12023 – Dramawise: The People Downstairs

Anne Frank’s diaries give a detailed, daily account of her family’s life in their cramped attic, but how did they survive for two years? In an imaginative new play by Michael McKeever,ÊThe People DownstairsÊexplores the lives of those colleagues who kept the Frank and Van Pels families alive. In this interactive discussion about the Palm Beach Dramaworks world premiere production, PBD’s Gary Cadwallader examines the characters, their relationships, the major themes of the play, and today’s sociological relevance. Interesting multimedia clips supporting the discussion will be used to enhance the understanding of the production. Participants receive a copy of the play beforehand, and a comprehensive, informative PBD Dramaguide written specifically for this discussion. After an in-depth conversation of courage, fortitude, and selflessness, participants leave with a deeper understanding of the play and the historical characters.