Interview: Anthony Cochrane in THE DIARY OF ANNE FRANK at STNJ

The Diary of Anne Frank will be onstage at The Shakespeare Theatre of New Jersey (STNJ) from October 14th to November 21st. Written by Frances Goodrich and Albert Hackett, adapted by Wendy Kesselman, the play is directed by Joseph Discher.

Nearly 75 years ago in the Netherlands, a young girl received a diary for her 13th birthday. Today, Anne Frank's humor, strength and innate goodness continue to shine forth from her words to inspire readers and audiences of all ages. The powerful story of her family's will to survive comes to life in this adaptation of the Pulitzer, Tony and NY Drama Critic's Circle Award-winning play. Broadwayworld.com interviewed Anthony Cochrane who plays the part of Mr. Van Daan in the show.

Anthony Cochrane is in his second season with The Shakespeare Theatre. He appeared on Broadway in The Audience, War Horse, Cymbeline, The Coast of Utopia (Lincoln Center Theater). Off-Broadway credits include Nikolai and the Others (LCT), 12 years and 18 productions with Aquila Theatre Company, including Othello, Cyrano de Bergerac, Much Ado About Nothing, Julius Caesar, King Lear, Twelfth Night, The Iliad, Dense Terrain (BAM). Regional theatre credits include Amadeus, Much Ado About Nothing, Tempest (Old Globe); Henry VIII (Hayes nom.); The Winter's Tale, Julius Caesar (Folger); Hamlet, Timon of Athens (Alabama Shakespeare Festival); Much Ado About Nothing (LaJolla); Owners (Yale Rep) and One Man, Two Guvnors (St. Louis Rep). In the United Kingdom he has been in The Broken Heart, The Wives Excuse, Coriolanus, Julius Caesar (RSC) among many others. He has composed the original music for over 30 theatre productions. Cochrane has been seen in the films Wall Street: Money Never Sleeps; Apocalypse Watch and on TV in Law & Order: SVU, Benjamin Franklin (PBS), Taggart (Scottish TV), Neverwhere (BBC). He received his training at RSAMD.

We asked Cochrane what were some of his earliest interests in theatre. "In the North of Scotland where I was raised, there was no theatre. When I was about 10 years old, growing up in the 60's, I remember wanting to be Roger Moore in The Saint. In high school, I fell in love with live theatre when I saw a version of a Scottish play being performed by a small ensemble company"

When Cochrane was at drama college in the UK in his early 20's, he had the opportunity to see the Royal Shakespeare Company in Stratford-upon-Avon. "It had a huge influence on me. I was later lucky enough to work there."

Cochrane told us about some of the challenges of his role as Mr. Van Daan, the father of the family hiding in the annex with the Franks who also worked with Otto Frank's Pectin making company. "It's always a challenge to be sure the character you play is spot-on. This part is very emotional. He has huge highs and lows and a very tumultuous relationship with his wife." Cochrane also mentioned that there are challenges to the staging. "We are conveying the sense of a very small space where there is constant danger and fear, impacting personal relationships."

We talked about the timeless significance of The Diary of Anne Frank. "This story is so important. It cannot be relegated to history. We just had another mass shooting in Oregon. When people think they have the right to harm others, it can become contagious. The human aspect of an appalling act must always be shown. It can never be said enough."

Cochrane told us a little about working at STNJ. "It's great, I love it here. Joe Discher has cast a great bunch of actors. Bonnie Monte creates a very supportive atmosphere and continues to produce dynamic and challenging theatre."

For more information on Anthony Cochrane, visit his web site at: www.anthonycochrane.com.

Single tickets for The Diary of Anne Frank start at $25 for preview performances and $32 for regular performances. In an effort to reach as many young people and families as possible, discount $20 student tickets may be purchased in advance online or at the Box Office. Student Rush tickets are available at the box office a half-hour before curtain for $15 with a valid Student ID. For tickets, call the Box Office at 973-408-5600, visit www.ShakespeareNJ.org, or email BoxOffice@ShakespeareNJ.org.

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