Miep - Getting to the thick of it

We’ve been getting great feedback since we released our planned production of ‘Miep’. It’s good to know that so many are excited and love how we are bringing this phenomenal woman’s story to life in a way that hasn’t been done before. It’s easy to get lost in the Anne Frank story, which sometimes people’s stories like Miep’s can. This is why it’s great that we are going into a different angle/perspective to highlight not only Miep and Anne’s story, but the destruction of war and how this effected everyone through this time period. At the moment we are in the writing stages of this project. A massive project like Miep needs a lot of research and studying. We want this production to be right on point, even to the smallest of details. The research I have done personally, I have to admit some of the things uncovered for this project not only about Miep, but the war its self, is haunting. This has to be one of the hardest plays I’ve been part of so far. We are really getting in the thick of it now, while its exciting to be working on this project, its also very upsetting. All we’ve come across is hurt, suffering, pain and the fear of the unknown.

This has given us a new found purpose to peruse even more with this project. Its important to be heard, its important to be seen and its important to exist. The war, Miep and Anne’s story should always be remembered, learned from and never be forgotten. We want you, the audience, to feel every second throughout this immersive event. The fear and uncertainty, The way that Miep and everyone felt in this time period. We have been going through absolutely everything to achieve this and we have great ideas to bring this out within the story that’s being told, the environment that we are trying to create and the action that you will see.

Fear and uncertainty is the most powerful emotion in all of this story and I cant imagine what it was like having to wake up everyday with that weight of fear. If you have read Anne’s diary, throughout it is full of uncertainty and throughout Miep’s story as well. It’s important to really feel this strong emotion because I believe you will learn and understand more, instead of just watching a normal everyday play. This is no ordinary play. This play is going to be the most powerful play you will see. From the second you reach the entrance of Hope Street Theatre to the second you leave. The experience will stay with you forever guaranteed.

I will keep you all up to date throughout this process. We also have an exciting little project to be announced soon linked with this project.

Words by Christopher Woodward