By Dave DeLuca
June of 2014 marked the 100-year anniversary of the beginning of the First World War. In observation, fall term at Oregon State University marked the beginning of a program entitled Citizenship and Crisis: On the Centenary of World War I. Several different departments and disciplines across campus are participating in the ongoing endeavor, which serves as a starting point for discussions on issues which transcend the history books.
The College of Liberal Arts has dedicated its 2014-‘15 theater season to the theme of “War and Remembrance.” In February, Withycombe Hall will host performances of The Diary of Anne Frank. Based on a true story, the drama takes place in 1942. A Jewish family finds refuge from the Nazi occupation of the Netherlands by hiding in a secret annex above an office building for two years. Anne Frank, the main character, records the experience in a diary which provides the basis for the drama. In addition to providing taut entertainment to audiences, the show beautifully demonstrates the atrocities found in all wars, and the impossible choices its victims must make to survive. Every character comes face to face with divided loyalties to country and religion in the face of the extreme crisis.
Performances run Thursday, Feb. 12, Saturday, Feb. 14, Friday, Feb. 20, and Saturday, Feb. 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday, Feb. 22 at 2 p.m. on the Withycombe Hall Main Stage. For more information, contact Elizabeth Helman at Elizabeth.helmanatoregonstate.edu or call 541-737-2853.
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