THE SECRET ANNEX to Bring 'What If' Story to The Segal Centre This Winter

The Segal Centre presents THE SECRET ANNEX by Alix Sobler, directed by Marcia Kash. A bold exploration of historical truth and a touching narrative of what might have been, THE SECRET ANNEX makes its Montreal premiere on the Segal stage for three weeks only, January 31 through February 21. This production is being produced with the support of the Montreal Holocaust Memorial Centre.

THE SECRET ANNEX is a stirring and romantic "what if" story about survival, sacrifice and all that we have to be grateful for.

In Alix Sobler's re-imagining of history, Anne Frank has survived the war. She is 25 years old, living in New York and as precocious as ever. Clinging to the idealized life of a writer, she is determined to get her diary published. But when faced with rejection and with love and family life beckoning, Anne is forced to question the meaning of her new life. Why did she survive, if not to share her story? Or, is the greatest art of all the art of living well?

A moving tribute to the millions who lost their lives and the survivors whose stories we'll never hear.

Director Marcia Kash is familiar with this subject, having told Anne's story on stage three times, including here at the Segal in 2007. "Here is a play that brings Anne Frank to life in a new way," says Kash, "a grown up Anne, Anne the survivor, Anne the woman in pursuit of her dreams living a life with other members of those troubled times in the attic. Whilst it is a fantasy, it raises many questions about the value of a life and the cost of survival. It is a delicate, hopeful, human piece, one that inspires and helps us believe that there is meaning and purpose to every life."

Of THE SECRET ANNEX, Artistic & Executive Director, Lisa Rubin says: "THE SECRET ANNEX explores a wishful 'what-if' scenario through an historical icon who means so much to so many. When I first saw the play at the Royal Manitoba Theatre Centre, I was incredibly moved by how Alix Sobler captured the beautiful spirit of Anne Frank, this time through the voice of a survivor. I loved the idea of this fantasy and how it inspired me to re-read her diary. While it is magical to see her come to life as a young woman, we are reminded to never forget and find a new way to pay homage to this heartbreaking tragedy."

Starring Sara Farb, as seen in the Stratford Festival's 2015 Diary of Anne Frank: "It begs the question of what it would be like if we didn't have Anne's diary in our world. The enormity of that question is, to me, the most haunting one that the play presents," said Sara Farb, "I cannot wait to be a part of it."

She will be joined by Brett Donahue (previously seen in Suits and Republic of Doyle), Marcel Jeannin (seen recently in the Segal's production of The Graduate), Anne Cassar (seen in the Segal's META award-winning production of Travesties) and newcomer to the Segal stage, Judith Baribeau.

The creative team includes Michael Eagan (Set & Costume Designer), Spike Lyne (Lighting Design), Christian Thomas (Composer), Luciana Burcheri (Stage Manager) and Birdie Gregor (Assistant Stage Manager)

Following an inspiring run of Tribes by Nina Raine, the Segal is committed to making theatre more accessible to the Deaf community and will be offering an ASL interpreted performance of THE SECRET ANNEX on Monday, February 8 at 7:00 p.m. This performance and the one on February 15 will be followed by a talkback session with the cast.

The Segal Centre for Performing Arts is a not-for-profit theatre company dedicated to nurturing, producing and presenting world-class English-language theatre and to showcasing the best professional artists from Montreal and beyond. Founded in 1967, the Segal Centre has expanded to become a nationally recognized venue for the performing arts with a focus on creation, innovation, diversity and cross-cultural collaborations. Driven by a belief in the power of the arts to strengthen and connect communities, the Segal's programming emphasizes original interpretations of popular classic and contemporary works, new Canadian musicals and engaging productions with universal appeal. For more information, visit www.segalcentre.org.

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